The Science behind Botox

Botox inhibits the release of the neuro transmitter, acetylcholine, which is responsible for muscular contractions which leads to the formation of wrinkles.

In a normal muscle, the place where a nerve ends is called the ‘muscle- end- plate’. A gap is present between the nerve ending and the muscle surface. The stimulated nerve releases a neurotransmitter, called acetylcholine, which bridges this gap and causes the muscle to contract.

So what is the role of botulinum toxins in muscle contraction or in its prevention?

The most significant symptom of botulism is paralysis, which can sometimes prove to be fatal. This is caused when the toxins released by the bacteria attach themselves to the nerve endings and inhibits the release of acetylcholine that is responsible for muscle contraction.

Certain proteins such as VAMP, Syntaxin and Snap-25 are required to bring about the release of acetylcholine. Botox acts by attacking Snap-25, thereby preventing the release of the neurotransmitter. When muscle contraction is inhibited, wrinkling is also prevented.

Botox temporarily arrests nerve impulses and paralyses the muscles into which it is injected thereby imparting a smoother, softer and rejuvenated appearance to the skin.

Published on Mar 05, 2016
Last Updated on Dec 19, 2019

kantilal39 Saturday, August 28, 2010

is botox injections useful for parkinsonism?whAT is the dose ?

bciferri Wednesday, March 25, 2009

THE SCIENCE POSTED HERE IS WRONG: the botulinum toxin cleaves the SNARE complex and allows for the vesicle containing the neurotransmitter ACh to be unable to diffuse through Ca2+ cannels. when the SNARE complex is cleved the vesicle cannot bind to the SNAP-25 and thus ACh cannot be released and the muscle cannot react to the signal from the nerve.

sunny1 Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Botox can be used for enlarged prostate glands; for especially those who are high risk for surgery.

sohail23 Tuesday, July 3, 2012

no.it is easy but experience must.