Cholera toxin is produced by V. cholerae and is a multimeric enterotoxin that consists of a single A subunit surrounded by five B subunits.1 Following binding to the membrane of enteric cells, the toxin is endocytosed and travels to the endoplasmic reticulum where the enzymatically active A subunit (CTA1) is translocated to the cytosol. Within the cytosol, CTA1 catalyzes the ADP-ribosylation of the Gsα protein, which activates adenylate cyclase, locking it in an ‘on’ position.2 The increased intracellular concentration of cAMP causes hypersecretion of chloride and bicarbonate ions, which results in increased fluid secretion and severe diarrhea characteristic of the disease cholera.1WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
