|
Tetanus toxin found to have therapeutic properties
June 15, 2005A team of researchers from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Institute of Neuroscience at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona has discovered that tetanus toxin, which causes tetanus, could be extremely useful as a therapy against psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety and anorexia, and to slow the progress of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Tetanus toxin is a neurotoxin belonging to the same family as botulinum neurotoxins, which cause botulism. These have been successfully used as a therapy to treat disorders caused by abnormal muscular contractions such as strabismus, cerebral palsy, anal contractions and torticollis. Recently these toxins have been used even in cosmetics against wrinkles. For these therapeutic and cosmetic applications, the scientists are working with sublethal doses of toxins.
Led by José Aguilera, scientists from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Institute of Neuroscience at the UAB, have studied whether it would also be possible to use sublethal doses of tetanus toxin and molecules derived from tetanus toxin for therapeutic purposes. The results have been obtained in the laboratory after 20 years of studying these toxins, and they are very encouraging.
Two separate, distinct parts form the tetanus toxin molecule: one part is the cause of the toxic effects and the tetanus symptoms; the other, however, is harmless and is able to penetrate and affect the nervous system. This harmless part, called the carboxy-terminal domain, has been reproduced in large quantities in the laboratory so that tests can be carried out on its effects on the nervous system of rats.
The experiments have shown that the harmless part inhibits serotonin from being transported through the synaptic membranes, i.e. the membranes that connect the neurones so that signals can be sent through the brain. The molecule is as effective as the selective inhibitors currently used, but they are more powerful, they last longer, and they are more specific. This inhibitory effect converts the molecule into what could be a drug with many uses. It would be more effective than Prozac and more effective than any drug that works by selectively inhibiting the transportation of serotonin in the nerve endings. Behavioural disorders such as depression, anxiety and anorexia may be treated using the molecule derived from tetanus toxin.
The researchers have also been able to show that toxin and its recombinant fragment, carboxy terminal, the harmless fragment, strengthens the neural cells and protects them from external aggressions. This means it has a neuroprotective effect that prevents the death of the neurons when they are faced with aggressive situations. This is why the scientists believe the harmless toxin fragment could be more effective than neurotrophins as protection against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
Two separate, distinct parts form the tetanus toxin molecule: one part is the cause of the toxic effects and the tetanus symptoms; the other, however, is harmless and is able to penetrate and affect the nervous system. This harmless part, called the carboxy-terminal domain, has been reproduced in large quantities in the laboratory so that tests can be carried out on its effects on the nervous system of rats.
The experiments have shown that the harmless part inhibits serotonin from being transported through the synaptic membranes, i.e. the membranes that connect the neurones so that signals can be sent through the brain. The molecule is as effective as the selective inhibitors currently used, but they are more powerful, they last longer, and they are more specific. This inhibitory effect converts the molecule into what could be a drug with many uses. It would be more effective than Prozac and more effective than any drug that works by selectively inhibiting the transportation of serotonin in the nerve endings. Behavioural disorders such as depression, anxiety and anorexia may be treated using the molecule derived from tetanus toxin.
The researchers have also been able to show that toxin and its recombinant fragment, carboxy terminal, the harmless fragment, strengthens the neural cells and protects them from external aggressions. This means it has a neuroprotective effect that prevents the death of the neurons when they are faced with aggressive situations. This is why the scientists believe the harmless toxin fragment could be more effective than neurotrophins as protection against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
Tetanus News and Current Tetanus Events RSSTool creates personalized catch-up immunization schedules for missed childhood vaccinations
A new downloadable software tool will help pediatricians, parents and other health care professionals determine how to adjust complex childhood immunization schedules when one or more vaccine doses aren't received at the proper time.
Parents follow pediatrician advice on administering MMR vaccinations
News stories about an allegedly harmful link between the mumps, measles and rubella vaccine and the onset of autism had little effect on whether U.S. parents immunized their children, according to a review of immunization records and news stories. Parents' decisions were more likely influenced by recommendations from their child's pediatrician, the researchers said.
Number of cases of most vaccine-preventable diseases in US at all-time low
A comparison of illness and death rates for 13 vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S., before and after use of the vaccine, indicates there have been significant decreases in the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths for each of the diseases examined.
OHSU research suggests America may over-vaccinate
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine this week by Oregon Health & Science University researchers suggests that timelines for vaccinating and revaccinating Americans against disease should possibly be reevaluated and adjusted.
Ear infection superbug discovered to be resistant to all pediatric antibiotics
Researchers have discovered a strain of bacteria resistant to all approved drugs used to fight ear infections in children, according to an article to be published tomorrow in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Combination vaccines okay for infants, study shows
A University of Rochester study brings relief to new parents who, while navigating a jam-packed childhood vaccine schedule, can expect to soothe their newborn through as many as 15 "pokes" by his or her six-month checkup.
Study reveals gaps in vaccine financing for underinsured children
A national survey of state immunization program managers reveals gaps in coverage for the current vaccine financing system, suggesting that many underinsured children may not receive recommended vaccinations, such as for pneumonia and meningitis.
Agonized death throes probable cause of open-mouthed, head-back pose of many dino fossils
The peculiar pose of many fossilized dinosaurs, with wide-open mouth, head thrown back and recurved tail, likely results from the agonized death throes typical of brain damage and asphyxiation, according to two paleontologists.
Biodegradable microspheres deliver time release vaccines, stimulate different immune response
A new vaccine delivery system using microspheres of a biodegradable polymer may not only reduce the need for booster shots in some cases, but also appears to stimulate an immune response that traditional vaccines do not.
Seeing a neurotoxin's deadly grip
Two Howard Hughes Medical Institute research teams working independently have discovered new information about how the botulinum neurotoxin shuts down neurons with deadly efficiency.
More Tetanus News Articles
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |