Clostridial Neurotoxins: Handling and Action at the Cellular and Molecular Level

Tetanus and botulism have fascinated mankind since they were first described by Hippocrates (cited by Major 1965) and Kerner (1817) respectively. Following the ascent of bacteriology at the end of the past century, the flow of research has been uninterrupted, and it may be safely stated that no other group of toxins has aroused as much interest as the clostridial neurotoxins. The pertinent literature presents not only a historical account of their handling by the scientific community, but also a cross-section of the development of science and the time-dependent ways of thinking and experimenting. The progress in understanding started with the detection of the causative bacteria and their toxins at the end of the 19th century, the period dominated by microbiology. A stage of macroscopic physiology ensued, resulting in the assignment of the intoxication to the spinal cord in tetanus and to the peripheral nerve endings in botulism. In parallel, the ascent of immunology led to the development of toxoids and antibodies and paved the way for treatment and prophylaxis of the diseases.