ABSTRACT
In less than a decade, studies at the cellular and molecular levels have led to the nearly complete deciphering of the mechanism of action of the tetanus (TeNT) and botulinum (BoNT/A-G) neurotoxins (for comprehensive reviews see Simpson, 1986; 1989; Habermann and Dreyer, 1986; Niemann, 1991 ; Wellhöner, 1992; Niemann et al., 1994; Montecucco and Schiavo, 1995; Montecucco, 1995; and this volume). An important outcome of these studies is the identification of essential components of the synaptic machinery ensuring quantal neurotransmitter release (for reviews see Niemann et al., 1994; Van der Kloot and Molgo, 1994; Ferro-Novick and Jahn, 1994; Montecucco and Schiavo, 1995; Südhof, 1995; Calakos and Scheller, 1996; and this volume).
