Question

How does the toxin from Clostridium tetani produce its action?

O it fuses irreversibly to neuronal cytoplasmic membranes, blocking release of acetylcholine at synaptic clefts.
O It blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters by inhibitory neurons in the central nervous system, causing simultaneous contraction of both muscles in an antagonistic pair.
O it is a pyrogenic toxin, which triggers a diffused rash and, later, sloughing of skin.
O it destroys tissues, including muscle and fat.
O it produces antibodies that attack the neuromuscular junctions in skeletal muscle and prevent them from relaxing,

Answer 1

The toxin from Clostridium tetani blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, causing uncontrolled muscle spasms that can lead to severe symptoms like lockjaw and potentially fatal respiratory failure. The answer is option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The toxin from Clostridium tetani, known as tetanus toxin or TeNT, produces its action by targeting neurons in the central nervous system. Normally, inhibitory interneurons release neurotransmitters like glycine and GABA to inhibit acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, which is necessary for muscle relaxation.

However, tetanus toxin blocks the release of these inhibitory neurotransmitters, causing a state of permanent muscle contraction, which can lead to symptoms like lockjaw (stiffness of the jaw), and violent muscle spasms, and could eventually result in respiratory failure.