Neurotoxin

A neurotoxin is a toxin that acts specifically on nerve cells – neurons – usually by interacting with membrane proteins and ion channels. Many of the venoms and other toxins that organisms use in defense against vertebrates are neurotoxins. A common effect is paralysis, which sets in extremely rapidly. Examples of neurotoxins include tetrodotoxin and components of the venom in bees, scorpions and spiders.

See also

• neurotoxic
• teratogenesis, many birth defects are essentially caused by neurotoxicity in developing neurons