endotoxin

(noun)

Any toxin secreted by a microorganism and released into the surrounding environment only when it dies.

Related Terms

  • stitute
  • cytokines
  • lipogenesis
  • lipid A
  • typhoid fever
  • exotoxin
  • arthritis
  • lipopolysaccharide

Examples of endotoxin in the following topics:

  • Toxins

    • Bacterial toxins are typically classified under two major categories: exotoxins or endotoxins.
    • Exotoxins are immediately released into the surrounding environment whereas endotoxins are not released until the bacteria is killed by the immune system.
    • Lastly, an example of an endotoxin, includes the protein lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by gram-negative bacteria.
  • Salmonellosis

    • By the end of the incubation period, the macro-organisms are poisoned by endotoxins that are released from the dead salmonellae.
    • The local response to the endotoxins is enteritis and gastrointestinal disorder.
    • Endotoxins first act on affected organs' vascular and nervous systems, manifested by: increased permeability and decreased tone of the vessels, upset thermal regulation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Gram-Negative Outer Membrane

    • The LPS molecule is toxic and is classified as an endotoxin that elicits a strong immune response when the bacteria infect animals.
  • Fusobacteria

    • However, in contrast to Bacteroides, Fusobacterium have a potent lipopolysaccharide that can function as an endotoxin.
  • Sepsis and Septic Shock

    • Most cases of septic shock are caused by Gram-positive bacteria, followed by endotoxin-producing Gram-negative bacteria.
    • Endotoxins are bacterial membrane lipopolysaccharides (LPS) consisting of a toxic fatty acid (lipid A) core common to all Gram-negative bacteria, and a complex polysaccharide coat (including O antigen) unique for each species.
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