Neurotoxin mechanism of action. Poisonous and highly toxic substances of neurotoxic action. Ovtv causing organic damage to the nervous system

Neurotoxins are botulinum toxin, poneratoxin, tetrodotoxin, batrachotoxin, components of the venoms of bees, scorpions, snakes, salamanders.

Powerful neurotoxins, such as batrachotoxin, act on the nervous system by depolarizing nerves and muscle fibers, increasing the permeability of the cell membrane to sodium ions.

Many poisons and toxins used by organisms to defend themselves against vertebrates are neurotoxins. The most common effect is paralysis, which comes on very quickly. Some animals use neurotoxins when hunting, as a paralyzed prey becomes a convenient prey.

Sources of neurotoxins

External

Neurotoxins from the external environment are exogenous. They can be gases (for example, carbon monoxide, CWA), metals (mercury, etc.), liquids and solids.

The action of exogenous neurotoxins after penetration into the body is highly dependent on their dose.

Internal

Neurotoxicity can have substances produced within the body. They're called endogenous neurotoxins. An example is the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is toxic at high concentrations and leads to apoptosis.

Classification and examples

Channel inhibitors

Nerve agents

• Alkyl derivatives of methylfluorophosphonic acid: sarin, soman, cyclosarin, ethylsarin.

• Cholinethiophosphonates and cholinephosphonates: V-gases.

• Other similar compounds:, tabun.

Neurotoxic drugs

see also

• The wart is a neurotoxin-producing fish
• Nicotine is a neurotoxin with a particularly strong effect on insects.
• Teratogenesis (mechanism of occurrence of developmental anomalies)

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Notes

1. Although only substances of biological origin are toxins, the term Neurotoxin is also applied to synthetic poisons. "Natural and synthetic neurotoxins", 1993, ISBN 978-0-12-329870-6, sect. "Preface", quote: "Neurotoxins are toxic substances with selective actions on the nervous system. By definition, toxins are of natural origin, but the term "neurotoxin" has been widely applied to some synthetic chemicals that act selectively on neurones"
2. Kuch U, Molles BE, Omori-Satoh T, Chanhome L, Samejima Y, Mebs D (September 2003). "". Toxicon 42 (4): 381–90. DOI:. PMID 14505938.
3. . Retrieved October 15, 2008. .
4. Moser, Andreas.. - Boston: Birkhäuser, 1998. - ISBN 0-8176-3993-4.
5. Turner J.J., Parrott A.C.(English) // Neuropsychobiology. - 2000. - Vol. 42, no. one . - P. 42-48. - DOI : [ Error: Invalid DOI!] . - PMID 10867555.
6. Steinkellner T. , Freissmuth M. , Sitte H. H. , Montgomery T.(English) // Biological chemistry. - 2011. - Vol. 392, no. 1-2. - P. 103-115. -DOI:. - PMID 21194370.
7. Abreu-Villaça Y. , Seidler F. J. , Tate C. A. , Slotkin T. A.(English) // Brain research. - 2003. - Vol. 979, no. 1-2. - P. 114-128. - PMID 12850578.
8. Pedraza C. , Garcia F. B. , Navarro J. F.(English) // The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology / official scientific journal of the Collegium Internationale Neuropsychopharmacologicum (CINP). - 2009. - Vol. 12, no. nine . - P. 1165-1177. -DOI:. - PMID 19288974.

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An excerpt characterizing Neurotoxin

Six months after my grandfather's death, an event took place which, in my opinion, deserves special mention. It was a winter night (and the winters in Lithuania were very cold at that time!). I had just gone to bed when I suddenly felt a strange and very soft "calling". It was like someone was calling me from somewhere far away. I got up and went to the window. The night was very quiet, clear and calm. The deep snow shone and shimmered with cold sparks throughout the sleeping garden, as if the reflection of many stars calmly wove its sparkling silver web on it. It was so quiet, as if the world had frozen in some strange lethargic dream...
Suddenly, right in front of my window, I saw a luminous figure of a woman. It was very tall, over three meters, absolutely transparent and sparkling, as if it was woven from billions of stars. I felt a strange warmth emanating from her, which enveloped me and, as it were, called somewhere. The stranger waved her hand, inviting them to follow her. And I went. The windows in my room were very large and low, non-standard by normal standards. At the bottom, they reached almost to the ground, so that I could freely climb out at any time. I followed my guest without the slightest fear. And what was very strange - I absolutely did not feel the cold, although at that moment it was twenty degrees below zero outside, and I was only in my children's nightgown.
The woman (if you can call her that) again waved her hand, as if inviting him to follow her. I was very surprised that the normal "lunar road" suddenly, having changed its direction, "followed" the stranger, as if creating a luminous path. And I realized that I had to go there. So I followed my guest all the way to the forest. Everywhere there was the same aching, frozen silence. Everything around sparkled and shimmered in the silent glow of moonlight. The whole world seemed to freeze in anticipation of what was about to happen. The transparent figure moved on, and I, as if spellbound, followed it. All the same, there was no feeling of cold, although, as I later realized, I had been walking barefoot all this time. And what was also very strange, my feet did not fall into the snow, but seemed to float on the surface, leaving no traces on the snow ...
Finally we came to a small round clearing. And there ... illuminated by the moon, unusually tall, sparkling figures stood in a circle. They were very similar to people, only absolutely transparent and weightless, like my unusual guest. They were all wearing long flowing robes that looked like shimmering white cloaks. Four of the figures were male, with completely white (possibly grey), very long hair caught in brightly glowing hoops on their foreheads. And two female figures, which were very similar to my guest, with the same long hair and a huge sparkling crystal in the middle of the forehead. The same soothing warmth emanated from them, and I somehow understood that nothing bad could happen to me.

I do not remember how I ended up in the center of this circle. I only remember how suddenly brightly luminous green rays went out from all these figures and connected right on me, in the area where my heart should have been. My whole body began to “sound” softly… (I don’t know how it would be possible to more accurately define my then state, because it was precisely the sensation of sound inside). The sound became stronger and stronger, my body became weightless and I hung above the ground just like these six figures. The green light became unbearably bright, completely filling my entire body. There was a feeling of incredible lightness, as if I was about to take off. Suddenly, a dazzling rainbow flashed in my head, as if a door opened and I saw some completely unfamiliar world. The feeling was very strange - as if I knew this world for a very long time and at the same time, I never knew it.

The composition of 1 ml of solution for intravenous and intramuscular administration contains 50 mg of the active substance and excipients: sodium disulfite - 1 mg; water for injection - up to 1 ml.

Release form

• 1 ampoule (2 ml) of 5, 10, 20 and 50 pieces in a carton;
• 1 ampoule (5 ml) of 5, 10 and 20 pieces in a carton.

pharmachologic effect

• drug protects membranes of brain cells (neurons) from any influences (membrane-protective action);
• improves blood circulation in the brain area and reduces the need for neurons in oxygen (antihypoxic effect);
• has a direct activating effect on mental activity (nootropic effect);
• takes off, fear And voltage ;
• increases stress resistance (anxiolytic effect);
• inhibits development convulsions (anticonvulsant action).

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Active ingredient of Neurox ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate (EMHPS) suppresses the toxic effect of free radicals that are formed in the process of metabolism in the human body and destroy cells and tissues. It protects the membranes (shells) of brain cells from any influences, improves their structure and function (including the transport of oxygen and neurotransmitters Substances that transmit information in brain cells.

Under the action of Neurox, the concentration in the brain increases, which is called the hormone of pleasure. All this leads to an increase in stress resistance and mental abilities, a decrease in anxiety And convulsive readiness . Neurox has an antitoxic effect in acute and chronic alcohol intoxication , at withdrawal syndrome (developing against the background of separation from alcohol in patients) and with an overdose of drugs that affect the central nervous system.

The duration of action of Neurox when administered intramuscularly is up to 4 hours. The maximum plasma concentration occurs 20-40 minutes after administration. The active substance quickly passes from the blood vessels to the organs and tissues and is also quickly excreted from the body with urine, previously being metabolized (decomposing into metabolic products -) in the liver.

Indications for the use of Neurox

Indications for the use of Neurox:

• acute disorders of cerebral circulation, including;
• diseases associated with impaired metabolic processes in brain cells ();
• conditions after suffering traumatic brain injury ;
• mild mental impairment against the background;
• anxiety states in the background and mental illness ;
• (as part of complex treatment).

Indications for the use of Neurox also include alcohol intoxication , withdrawal syndrome on the background of chronic alcoholism and acute intoxication with antipsychotic drugs ( antipsychotics ).

Neurox medicine - contraindications for use

Neurox should not be used in the following diseases and conditions:

• severe diseases accompanied by acute impairment of kidney or liver function (and liver failure );
• and breastfeeding;
• increased sensitivity of the body to the components of the drug;
• children of any age.

With caution, Neurox is used for allergic diseases and reactions that the patient had in the past. During treatment, care should be taken when driving a car and performing other work that requires increased concentration and responsiveness.

Neurox - side effects

Against the background of the rapid administration of the drug (especially with intravenous jet administration), dryness and a metallic taste in the mouth, a flush of heat, a sore throat and a feeling of lack of air may occur. Also possible allergic reactions .

If the drug is used in courses that exceed the recommended duration, then the appearance of nausea , And intestinal colic , or sleep disturbances.

Neurox, instructions for use

Neurox is administered intramuscularly or intravenously (stream or drip). When administered dropwise, the drug is diluted saline (0.9% sodium chloride). Neurox dosages are most often selected individually by a doctor, taking into account the disease, the patient's condition and the manufacturer's recommendations.

Instructions for use Neurox recommends starting treatment with a daily dose of 50-300 mg. A dose of more than 50 mg is best distributed over 2 to 3 injections. Gradually increase the dose until a therapeutic effect is obtained. The maximum daily dose is 800 mg. The course of treatment, depending on the patient's condition and dosage, can vary from 5 to 30 days.

Intravenous jet injection of the drug is administered very slowly for at least 5 minutes, drip - at a rate of 40-60 drops per minute.

Neurox injections - is an overdose possible?

In case of an overdose, the appearance or, conversely, may occur. If the drug is administered intravenously, some rise is possible within 90 to 120 minutes after administration. After this time, the symptoms of AD return to normal on their own, the state of health is restored within a day.

At insomnia sometimes prescribed drugs from the group tranquilizers (for example,) in the minimum dosage.

Interaction of Neurox with other drugs

Neurox potentiates (enhances) the action (for example, diazepam ), antiepileptic (), antiparkinsonian (Levodopa ) medicines and nitrates (). Reduces the toxic effect of alcohol.

Terms of sale

Neurox can only be purchased at a pharmacy with a doctor's prescription.

Storage conditions

Neurox ampoules should be stored out of the reach of children, in a dry, dark place at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.

Best before date

The drug is stored for 3 years under the above conditions.

Neurox's analogs

Coincidence in the ATX code of the 4th level:

Analogues are drugs of different drug groups that are used to treat the same diseases. Neurox's analogs:

• drugs from the group nootropics ( , );
• drugs from the group benzodiazepine tranquilizers ( , );
• drugs from the group antiepileptic drugs ();
• drugs that improve cerebral circulation ();
• drugs from the group antioxidants ( And ).

Alcohol and Neurox

Neurox reduces the toxic effect of alcohol.

Reviews about Neurox

Reviews about Neurox are different, about half of them are positive, half are negative. In positive reviews, the effect of the complex treatment of various neurological disorders , which included Neurox.

Negative reviews about Neurox are associated with the lack of a therapeutic effect after the course of treatment. Obviously, in many respects the effectiveness of this drug is associated with the correctness of its appointment and the selected dosage.

Neurox price

The price of Neurox in Moscow depends on the dosage of the drug in one ampoule and on the number of ampoules in the package:

• 10 ampoules of 2 ml - from 306 to 378 rubles;
• 50 ampoules of 2 ml - from 1066 to 1274 rubles;
• 5 ampoules of 5 ml - 287 - 349 rubles.

The price of Neurox injections will depend on the dose selected by the doctor and the duration of the course of treatment. The price of Neurox tablets cannot be determined, since this drug is not available in tablets.

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Some substances can have extremely negative effects on human health. Natural or synthetic poisons affect the kidneys, liver, heart, damage blood vessels causing bleeding, or act at the cellular level. Neurotoxins are substances that affect the nerve fibers and the brain, and the results of the action of such toxins are called neurotoxic disorders. The impact of this kind of poisons can be both delayed and cause acute conditions.

What are neurotoxins and where poisonous substances are used

Neurotoxins can be chemicals, anesthetic drugs, antiseptics, metal fumes, harsh detergents, pesticides, and insecticides. Some living organisms are capable of producing neurotoxins in response to a threat to the immune system, and numerous toxic substances are present in the environment.

According to scientific research data, summarized in the publication of the authoritative weekly medical journal "The Lancet", about two hundred toxins can damage the human nervous system. Later (according to the study of data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety), it became necessary to add to the published list as many more toxic substances, in one way or another, having a negative effect on the central nervous system.

In the latter case, damage to nerve fibers was combined with damage to associated organs and systems, and symptoms of a neurotoxic disorder appeared when the permissible exposure limits were exceeded.

Thus, the list of chemicals that can be attributed to neurotoxins expands depending on what criteria a particular publication or author adheres to.

Neurotoxin poisoning can be obtained by inhaling toxic fumes, increasing the permissible concentration in the blood, or eating foods saturated with a large amount of toxic substances. Many toxic substances are present in the environment, consumer goods, household chemicals. Neurotoxins are used in cosmetology, medicine and industry.

What is the neurotoxic effect on the body

Neurotoxic effect extends primarily to the brain and nerve fibers. Neutralization of the work of cells in the nervous system can lead to muscle paralysis, the occurrence of an acute allergic reaction, and affects the general mental state of a person. In severe cases, poisoning can cause coma and be fatal.

Poisonous substances of this kind are absorbed into the nerve endings, transmitted to the cells and disrupt vital functions. The body's natural detoxification mechanisms are practically powerless against neurotoxins: in the liver, for example, the main functional feature of which is the removal of harmful substances, most neurotoxins, due to their specific nature, are reabsorbed by nerve fibers.

Neurotoxic poison can complicate the course of any disease, which makes it difficult to definitively diagnose and timely treatment.

Establishing an accurate diagnosis without fail includes determining the alleged source of infection, studying the history of contacts with a potential poison, identifying the full clinical picture and conducting laboratory tests.

Classification of the most famous representatives of neurotoxins

Medical sources divide neurotoxins into channel inhibitors, nerve agents, and neurotoxic drugs. By origin, toxic substances are distinguished into those obtained from the external environment (exogenous) and produced by the body (endogenous).

The classification of neurotoxins, poisoning with which is likely to be obtained at work and at home, includes three groups of the most common substances:

1. Heavy metals. Mercury, cadmium, lead, antimony, bismuth, copper and other substances are quickly absorbed into the digestive tract, carried with the bloodstream to all vital organs and deposited in them.
2. Biotoxins. Biotoxins are potent poisons that are produced in particular by marine life and spiders. Substances can be introduced mechanically (by biting or pricking) or by ingestion of poisonous animals. In addition, botulism bacteria are among the biotoxins.
3. Xenobiotics. A distinctive feature of this group of neurotoxins is a prolonged effect on the human body: the half-life of dioxin, for example, is from 7 to 11 years.

Symptoms of damage by neurotoxins

Neurotoxic disorders caused by toxic substances are characterized by a number of symptoms typical of poisoning in general, and specific signs that occur during intoxication with a certain compound.

heavy metal toxicity

So, patients have the following signs of intoxication with heavy metals:

• abdominal discomfort;
• bloating, diarrhea or constipation;
• nausea and occasional vomiting.

At the same time, poisoning with a specific metal has its own distinctive features. So, with mercury intoxication, a metallic taste is felt in the mouth, increased salivation and swelling of the lymph nodes are characteristic, and it is distinguished by a strong cough (sometimes with blood), lacrimation, and irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

A severe case is: anemia develops, the skin becomes cyanotic, the work of the liver and kidneys is quickly disrupted.

Biotoxin poisoning

In case of poisoning with biotoxins, among the first signs of intoxication may occur:

• increased salivation, numbness of the tongue, loss of sensation in the legs and arms (typical for poisoning with tetrodotoxin contained in puffer fish);
• increasing abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, stool disorders, “flies” before the eyes and respiratory failure (botulinum toxin intoxication);
• severe pain in the heart, hypoxia, paralysis of internal muscles (a condition similar to a heart attack occurs when poisoned by batrachotoxin contained in the glands of some species of frogs).

Xenobiotic intoxication

Neurotoxic poison of anthropogenic origin is dangerous because the symptoms of intoxication can appear in the long term, which leads to chronic poisoning.

Damage by formaldehyde or dioxins - by-products of the production of pesticides, paper, plastics, and so on - is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• loss of strength, fatigue, insomnia;
• abdominal pain, loss of appetite and exhaustion;
• irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes and respiratory tract;
• nausea, vomiting with blood, diarrhea;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• anxiety, delirium, feeling of fear.

Features of neurotoxin poisoning

A distinctive feature of neurotoxins is the damage to the human nervous system.

Thus, the patient's condition is characterized by:

• violations of coordination of movements;
• slowing down of brain activity;
• disturbances of consciousness, loss of memory;
• throbbing headache;
• darkening in the eyes.

To the general signs, as a rule, symptoms of poisoning from the respiratory, digestive and cardiovascular systems are added. The specific clinical picture depends on the source of intoxication.

Prevention of intoxication at work and at home

Prevention of poisoning largely depends on the nature of the potential threat. So, in order to avoid intoxication with biotoxins, food should be thoroughly cooked, expired or low-quality foods should be avoided, and contacts with potentially poisonous animals and plants should be prevented. Heavy metal poisoning can be prevented by using products made from these materials strictly for their intended purpose, observing safety measures when working in hazardous industries and sanitary rules.

What are neurotoxins? These are substances that interfere with the electrical activity of the nerves, which prevents them from working properly.

How do neurotoxins destroy nerve cells?

Neurotoxins are substances that interact with nerve cells, overstimulating them or interrupting the communication process between them. These are harmful processes for nerve cells that affect their chemical processes. Research clearly shows that neurotoxins reduce the life of nerve cells. These toxins are associated with various brain disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's chorea, and Parkinson's disease.

Over the past few decades, neurotoxins have proliferated significantly. Many of them are used in the food we eat and the water we drink. The most widely used neurotoxins are in fast food, canned foods, and are often used in infant formula.

Neurotoxins in food

If you have a child or toddlers, you should pay special attention to the 10 most common neurotoxins listed below. Children are the most vulnerable to neurotoxins because their bodies are still developing. Processed foods such as chips, candy, and chocolate often contain neurotoxins. If you are exposed to food containing any of the neurotoxins listed below, you should avoid eating it.

Aspartame (aka Equal, AminoSweet, NutraSweet, Spoonful) - Most commonly used in sugar-free foods. Especially in chewing gums and sugar-free drinks. Most aspartame is obtained from the waste products of genetically modified bacteria. Studies show that aspartame can cause diabetes, migraines, kidney failure, seizures, blindness, obesity, neurological disorders, mental illness, and brain tumors.

Monosodium glutamate (also known as MSG) is most commonly used in chips, canned food, baby food, and a number of unhealthy foods. Independent researchers believe that monosodium glutamate plays an important role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases of the brain, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Evidence supporting this claim comes from the fact that monounsaturated glutans destroy neurons, especially brain cells.

Sucralose (also known as Splenda) is an artificial sweetener that is used in sugar-free foods, especially drinks. Sucralose was discovered quite by accident while research was being done to create a new insecticide. Therefore, many scientists believe that sucralose should be considered as an insecticide. This toxin is identified by many as the chemical cousin of DDT. Sucralose is a chlorinated compound, and the breakdown of this type of compound in the body releases toxic chemicals.

Aluminum – This metal is common in drinking water and vaccines. Aluminum is very strongly absorbed by the body. Citric acid or citrate can significantly increase its absorption. Vaccines are one of the main causes of aluminum toxicity because aluminum is injected directly into the body.

Mercury - This heavy metal is common in fish products, vaccines. Mercury can also be found in drinking water. It is one of the most toxic neurotoxins because it easily destroys brain tissue.

Fluorine (sodium fluoride). This toxin is very common in drinking water and common toothpastes. In the past, fluoride was used as a rat poison. The fluoride used in consumer products is a mixture of highly hazardous chemicals. Also known as sodium fluoride, it is immiscible with natural calcium fluoride. For this reason, fluoride toothpastes carry warning labels.

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein - This unhealthy food ingredient is common in most unhealthy foods. It contains high concentrations of glutamate and aspartate, which can stimulate nerve cells and eventually lead to their death.

Calcium Caseinate – This toxin is commonly used in protein supplements, junk foods, and energy chocolate products. It damages the brain due to its neurotoxic properties.

Sodium caseinate – This type of protein is common in dairy products and junk food. It is believed to cause problems with autism and gastrointestinal disease.

Yeast extract is a popular food ingredient in many processed foods such as canned food. It is toxic to the brain.