Mechanism of Action of the Presynaptic Neurotoxins Tetanus Toxin

Abstract

During the past year a number of enzymatic systems have been investigated as possible targets for the action of the Clostridial neurotoxins. A cultured cell system, PC12 cells, was used as a model to exam specific systems. We have examined the effects of tetanus toxin on protein kinase C levels in such cells and have found that there is no significant inhibition during intoxication. Further, we have initiated studies to look at the effects of botulinum and tetanus toxins on cyclicnucleotide phosphodiesterase systems. We have fractioned the PDE activity by ion exchange chromatography and have found that there are multiple forms in PC12 cells and that treatment with nerve growth factor causes a marked shift or change in the pattern of PDE expression along with the growth factor induced differentiation. These studies provide the basis for future studies that will examine the effects of toxins on these specific enzyme subtypes.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 25, 1992
Accession Number
ADA246495

Entities

People

  • Terry B. Rogers

Organizations

  • University of Maryland School of Medicine

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Brain
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Chromatography
  • Culture Techniques
  • Cultured Cells
  • Growth Factors
  • Inhibition
  • Intoxication
  • Ion Exchange
  • Materials
  • Neurons
  • Nucleotides
  • Tumor Cell Line

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

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