What is "enterotoxin"

n. (context biology English) Any of several toxins produced by intestinal bacteria

n. a cytotoxin specific for the cells of the intestinal mucosa

An enterotoxin is a protein exotoxin released by a microorganism that targets the intestines. Its target site is indicated within its name.

Enterotoxins are chromosomally encoded or plasmid encoded exotoxins that are produced and secreted from several bacterial organisms. They are often heat-stable, and are of low molecular weight and water-soluble. Enterotoxins are frequently cytotoxic and kill cells by altering the apical membrane permeability of the mucosal ( epithelial) cells of the intestinal wall. They are mostly pore-forming toxins (mostly chloride pores), secreted by bacteria, that assemble to form pores in cell membranes. This causes the cells to die.