Mechanism of action of cholera toxin is through:
**Core Concept**
Cholera toxin, produced by Vibrio cholerae, is a potent enterotoxin that causes a severe diarrheal disease. The toxin acts by stimulating the secretion of chloride and bicarbonate ions into the intestinal lumen, leading to a massive loss of fluids and electrolytes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The cholera toxin acts through a complex mechanism involving two subunits, A1 and A2. The A1 subunit ADP-ribosylates the Gs alpha subunit of the stimulatory G-protein, resulting in the activation of adenylate cyclase. This leads to an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, which in turn activates the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel. The activated CFTR channel causes an increased secretion of chloride and bicarbonate ions into the intestinal lumen, resulting in a massive efflux of fluids and electrolytes.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the mechanism of action of cholera toxin.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it refers to a different toxin, Shiga toxin, which is produced by Shigella dysenteriae and causes a different type of enteric disease.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it refers to a different mechanism of action, involving the inhibition of protein synthesis, which is characteristic of Shiga toxin.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Cholera toxin works by targeting the intestinal epithelial cells, causing a massive efflux of fluids and electrolytes into the lumen. This can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
**Correct Answer:** C.