Botox from skin to brain

2008/05/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Anatomia/Fisiologia
• Medikuntza

Neurologists at the Institute of Neuroscience in Pisa have discovered that botox has an influence so far unknown. Botox is the commercial name of botulinum toxin and is well known, not only for being the strongest known toxin, but especially because it is used to iron the wrinkles injected into the skin.

Now, in an experiment with rats they have shown that part of the toxin injected into the skin reaches the brain. There it degrades proteins and acts on neurons. However, researchers have not perceived any effect on rats, behavior or biological functions.

In view of the results of the experiment, the researchers have drawn two conclusions. On the one hand, it has been recommended that in case a more careful use is made than so far. On the other hand, they have considered that its effect on the brain can be beneficial, for example, to treat epilepsy and other problems derived from excessive neuronal activity.