Introduction

Neurotoxins are toxins that are destructive to nerve tissue (causing neurotoxicity). Neurotoxins are an extensive class of exogenous chemical neurological insults that can adversely affect function in both developing and mature nervous tissue. The term can also be used to classify endogenous compounds, which, when abnormally contacted, can prove neurologically toxic. Though neurotoxins are often neurologically destructive, their ability to specifically target neural components is important in the study of nervous systems.

Neurotoxins are synthetic or naturally occurring substances that damage, destroy, or impair the functioning of the central and/or peripheral nervous system. Neurotoxins may damage neurons, axons, and/or glia resulting in loss of specific nuclei and/or axonal tracts or demyelination. They may also cause metabolic imbalances that can secondarily affect the central nervous system (CNS). The following is a concise review of selected commonly encountered neurotoxins.

Common examples of neurotoxins include lead, ethanol (drinking alcohol), glutamate, nitric oxide, botulinum toxin (e.g. Botox), tetanus toxin, and tetrodotoxin. Some substances such as nitric oxide and glutamate are in fact essential for proper function of the body and only exert neurotoxic effects at excessive concentrations.

Physiological Effects

Neurotoxins are absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or injection and can have immediate or long-lasting impacts by causing neurons to malfunction or by disrupting interneuron communication. Slurred words or poor coordination due to toxic effects on neurons from alcohol consumption, for example, are temporary, whereas cognitive damage caused by lead exposure is irreversible.

Certain neurotoxins are highly potent and have been developed into chemical weapons. The nerve agent sarin, for example, is an organophosphorous compound that is classified as a weapon of mass destruction; sarin gas can kill a person within 10 minutes of exposure.

Certain chemicals found in the environment and in common household items have been linked to behavioral and cognitive problems in children. In the early 2000s, increased exposure to some of those chemicals during fetal and early childhood development, as result of overall increases in the use of chemicals in food production and in consumer products was blamed for the sharp rise in disorders such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Symptoms

Symptoms include: Paralysis or weakness in the limbs, Altered sensation, tingling and numbness in the limbs, Headache, Vision loss, Loss of memory and cognitive function, Uncontrollable obsessive and/or compulsive behavior, Behavioral problems, Sexual dysfunction, Depression, Loss of circulation, Imbalance and Flu-like symptoms.

Diagnosis

The best test to show whether the peripheral nervous system has been affected is the nerve conduction test. Tests used to detect damage to the brain include pupillography, computerized balance heart rate variability, brain imaging with the triple-camera SPECT system and neuropsychological testing.

Treatment

The treatment approach to neurotoxicity is elimination or reduction of the toxic substance and therapy to relieve symptoms or provide support. Treatment may also involve avoiding air, food and water pollutants. Some examples of therapies used in the treatment of neurotoxicity include massage, exercise and immune modulaiton.

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Regards

Mary Wilson

Editorial office

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com