How Does Tetanospasmin Act?

Tetanospasmin is a neurotoxin that inhibits the release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and results in a variety of clinical signs commonly associated with tetanus including muscle spasms and rigidity, trismus (lockjaw), dysphagia, tendon rupture, opisthotonus, respiratory difficulty, and death (Cook et al., 2001).

What is the mechanism of action of tetanus toxin?

Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) binds to the presynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, is internalized and transported retroaxonally to the spinal cord. The spastic paralysis induced by the toxin is due to the blockade of neurotransmitter release from spinal inhibitory interneurons.

What are the effects of tetanospasmin to the host?

When tetanospasmin enters the bloodstream, it rapidly spreads around the body, causing tetanus symptoms. Tetanospasmin interferes with the signals traveling from the brain to the nerves in the spinal cord, and then on to the muscles, causing muscle spasms and stiffness.