Toxins can interfere with neurotransmitter release at multiple stages. Some toxins block voltage-gated calcium channels, which are crucial for the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane. Others may inhibit the action of proteins involved in vesicle docking, such as SNARE proteins. Additionally, certain toxins can alter the synthesis or storage of neurotransmitters, leading to either an excess or a deficit in neurotransmitter availability.
