title: Oral toxicities of Clostridium botulinum toxins in response to molecular size.
abstract: Clostridium botulinum type A, B, and F toxins of different molecular sizes were fed to mice to compare the oral toxicities. The progenitor toxin, a complex of a toxic and nontoxic component, of any type was higher in oral toxicity to mice than the dissociated toxic component or the derivative toxin. The former may no doubt play a more important role in the pathogenesis of food-borne botulism. The higher oral toxicity possessed by the progenitor toxin, including the exceptionally high one found with type B-L toxin, can be explained solely by the protection afforded by the nontoxic component attached to the toxic component. The possibility of the highest oral toxicity of type B-L toxin to humans is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D003014:Clostridium botulinum; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D051379:Mice; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D008970:Molecular Weight
chemical_list: D001905:Botulinum Toxins