Enterotoxins
Enterotoxins produced by ETEC include heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) and heat-stable enterotoxin (ST).
- LT is similar to cholera toxin; it increases the level of cAMP in intestinal cells, and this causes an increase in electrolyte and water excretion (diarrhea).
- ST stimulates production of cGMP, also leading to increased fluid excretion and diarrhea.
Mnemonic: Labile like the Air (cAMP), Stable like the Ground(cGMP).
Read more about this topic: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli