Method for determining the quantity of pre-synaptic neuromuscular blocking substance contained in a sample

摘要

The invention relates to a method for determining the quantity of pre-synaptic neuromuscular blocking substance (for example botulinum toxin) contained in a sample. Said method comprises determining the minimum voltage needed to induce the contraction of a muscular fibre sample, immersed in an oxygenated physiological buffer containing glucose. Said muscular fibre sample being connected to an electrical stimulator through a motor nerve. The sample containing the pre-synaptic neuromuscular blocking substance is added to the system; the muscular fibre is electrically stimulated, at a voltage at least equal to the said minimum voltage, at certain time intervals; and the effect induced by the sample is compared to the effect induced by a reference substance and thereby the quantity of the pre-synaptic neuromuscular blocking substance added to the system is determined.