D. Toxins that Block Nerve Function 1. The A-chain is thought to be the toxic subunit by analogy to diptheria and cholera toxin, however, at present it has no known effect on any cellular enzyme systems. Toxin production is associated with specific prophages in certain strains. A totally unpredicted expected recent finding is that although botulinal and tetanus toxins give opposite neurologic responses they both have exactly the same mode of action. Capillary thrombosis occurs and fluid leaks through damaged capillary endothelium, blood pressure falls and the animal goes into shock.
Animals exhibit edema, shock, and hemorrhage before death.