What is the mechanism of action of cholera toxin?

What is the mechanism of action of cholera toxin?



Answer: Constitutively activates Gs via ADP ribosylation leading to constant activation of adenylate cyclase and high levels of cAMP. This causes increased secretion of Cl~ ions from intestinal cells into the GI lumen followed by positively charged Na+ ions. Water follows Na+ into the lumen leading to watery diarrhea (recall ETEC LT).


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