Table of Contents
Bacterial Endotoxin; LPS Endotoxin Composition
Bacterial endotoxin is a toxin that is released from the cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria. LPS (lipopolysaccharide) is the main component of bacterial endotoxin and is responsible for its toxicity. LPS is a large, hydrophobic molecule that consists of a lipid and a sugar. The lipid portion is responsible for the toxicity of LPS, while the sugar portion is responsible for its immunogenicity. LPS is able to bind to toll-like receptors (TLRs) on the surface of cells, which leads to the activation of the innate immune response.
Functioning of Bacterial Endotoxin
Endotoxins are glycolipids or proteins that are released from the cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria. Endotoxins are potent pyrogens and can cause fever, shock, and death. Endotoxins are also known as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) because they are composed of a lipid and a polysaccharide.
The lipid portion of the molecule is the endotoxin molecule itself. The polysaccharide portion is a long chain of sugars that is attached to the endotoxin molecule. The polysaccharide chain is responsible for the toxicity of the endotoxin.
Endotoxins are released when the bacteria die. The bacteria release the endotoxin molecule and the polysaccharide chain. The polysaccharide chain is then free to interact with the cells of the host.
The polysaccharide chain binds to the host cells and causes the cells to release cytokines. The cytokines are proteins that are responsible for the fever, shock, and death that are caused by endotoxins.
Biological Effects on Hosts Due to Gram-Negative Bacteria
Bacterial endotoxins are lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that are found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. LPS is a potent stimulator of the immune system and can cause a variety of adverse effects in hosts.
LPS can cause fever, shock, and death in hosts. It can also cause inflammation and damage to tissues. LPS can also activate the complement system, which can lead to tissue damage and death.
Delta Endotoxin
Delta endotoxin is a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. The toxin is a crystal protein that is activated by proteases in the gut of susceptible insects. Once activated, the toxin binds to specific receptors on the surface of gut cells, where it inserts into the cell membrane and disrupts cellular function. This leads to cell death and the release of more toxins, which can spread to other cells and cause extensive damage. Delta endotoxin is effective against a wide range of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and mosquitoes.
LAL Endotoxin
LAL endotoxin is a bacterial toxin that is used as a measure of the quality of intravenous fluids and other medical products. It is also used as a measure of the cleanliness of surfaces and equipment in hospitals and other medical facilities. LAL endotoxin is also used as a measure of the quality of food products.
