tetanospasmin /tet·a·no·spas·min/ (tet″ah-no-spaz´min) the neurotoxic component of the exotoxin (tetanus toxin) produced by Clostridium tetani, which causes the typical muscle spasms of tetanus.
tetanospasmin
tet·a·no·spas·min (t t n- -sp z m n)n. The neurotoxin of Clostridium tetani that causes the characteristic signs and symptoms of tetanus. |
tetanospasmin
the neurotoxic exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani, which inhibits release of gamma amino butyric acid by inhibitory neurons, resulting in tetanic spasms.
tetanospasmin
Toxicology A 150 kD neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani, which is one of the most toxic substances known to man; it selectively blocks inhibitory nerve transmission from the spinal cord to the muscles, causing
severe muscle spasms, which may be intense enough to tear muscle or cause compression fractures of the vertebrae; it evokes unrestrained muscle firing and sustained muscular contraction, causing lockjaw, dysphagia, or acute respiratory failure by
tetany of the diaphragm. See Poisons.
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