Question

The botulinum toxin (or Botox) is one of the most lethal toxin to humans with a killing dose of 1 ng/kg of bodyweight. In order to have a better understanding of the potential molecular mechanism, estimate how many molecules of Botox are necessary to kill a single human cell. You will, as usual, state your rationale and explain your calculations. You can use the internet to get access to useful numbers on the botulinum toxin.

Answer 1

The continuous use in aesthetics and other medical procedures of botulinum toxin is known, however there is no scientific evidence to support the doses necessary to kill a cell in humans, it is known that this toxin is measured in units of mouse oMU, referring a unit of notulin toxin is equivalent to 0.05 nanograms, with a lethal dose in mice of 0.00000033 mg and for humans from 1 to 2 µg.

It is known that in terms of its mechanism of action, it occurs by blocking the acetylcholine output of the presynaptic neuron, which generates muscle paralysis, making it possible to recover after approximately 3 months.