]> 2026-07-31T14:08:22+00:00 WBR0546 0 en A This refers to neurotransmitter integration into vesicles. Reserpine and vesamicol usually act by inhibiting vesicle formation. Botulinum has no effect on vesicle formation. B This refers to vesicle release into the synaptic cleft inhibited in botulism. The botulinum toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine containing vesicles leading to flaccid paralysis. C This refers to neurotransmitter binding to specific receptors on the post-synaptic membrane. Neurotransmitter antagonists can exert their effect by this mechanism. D This refers to neurotransmitter degradation. Acetylcholinersterase inhibitors act by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft. Cocaine has a different mechanism of action. E This refers to the reuptake of neurotransmitters, usually inhibited by substances like amphetamines and cocaine. Reuptake inhibition is not seen in botulism. Clostridium botulinum is a gram positive spore forming bacillus that produces an exotoxin known as the botulinum toxin. Clostridium botulinum thrives in anaerobic conditions and foodborne illness occurs due to the ingestion of preformed botulinum toxin usually found in home canned vegetables prepared without following required methods. Infant botulism is seen in babies less than 12 months that are fed honey that contains the bacteria. Botulinum toxin is inactivated by high temperatures, so boiling home-canned food for 10 minutes prior to eating is preferred. Botulinum toxin acts by blocking acetylcholine vesicle release from the pre-synaptic cleft leading to flaccid paralysis of all muscles including the diaphragm.<br/> '''Educational Objective:''' Botulinum toxin inhibits acetylcholine vesicles from being release in the pre-synaptic cleft leading to flaccid paralysis. It is produced by Clostridium botulinum an anaerobic gram positive bacillus.<br/> '''References:''' Cherington M. Clinical spectrum of botulism. Muscle Nerve. 1998;21(6):701-10. Microbiology Pathophysiology B Neurology Infectious Disease 2020-10-28T00:55:27Z 2459150.5385069 WBR0546