Clostridial neurotoxins potently and specifically inhibit neurotransmitter release in defined
cell types. Here we report that a catalytically active derivative (termed LH N/A) of the type A
neurotoxin from Clostridium botulinum has been coupled to a lectin obtained from Erythrina
cristagalli to form a novel conjugate. This conjugate exhibits anin vitro selectivity for
nociceptive afferents compared with the anatomically adjacent spinal neurons, as assessed
usingin vitro primary neuronal culture systems to measure inhibition of release of …