ARS | Publication request: Comparison of Toxicological Properties of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotypes A and B in Mice

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 18, 2009
Publication Date: December 18, 2009
Citation: Cheng, L.W., Henderson Ii, T.D., Scotcher, M.C., Stanker, L.H. 2009. Comparison of Toxicological Properties of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotypes A and B in Mice. American Chemical Society [Abstract]. Paper No. 26541

Technical Abstract: Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are among the most toxic biological toxins for humans. Of the seven known serotypes (A-G) of BoNT, serotypes A, B and E cause most of the human foodborne intoxications. In this study, we compared the toxicological properties of BoNT serotype A and B holotoxins and complexes using the mouse systemic and oral models of botulism. The kinetics of dosage response and the effects of various food matrices on the oral bioavailability of BoNT/A and B were determined. Several factors, such as the presence of neurotoxin-associated proteins, the size of the toxin complex, or the type of food matrix, can either positively or negatively impact the oral bioavailability of BoNTs. Serotypes A and B toxin complexes are also absorbed at different rates in the oral mouse model. Understanding of the complexities of BoNTs will aid in food risk assessments as well as the design of novel therapeutics.