Authors: Linley E. Watson, Shu-ru Kuo, Khurshed Katki, Tongyun Dang, Seong Kyu Park, David E. Dostal, Wei-Jen Tang, Stephen H. Leppla, Arthur E. Frankel
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000466
Abstract Summary
Anthrax toxins cause deadly hypotensive shock through distinct cardiovascular mechanisms. Rat studies reveal lethal toxin impairs heart contraction while edema toxin reduces blood volume returning to the heart. Both toxins act rapidly at microgram levels, producing irreversible shock and death within hours. These findings illuminate how anthrax kills and may guide new treatments.
Why Brain? ðŸ§
Anthrax toxins cause fatal shock in rats by directly impairing heart function, not through immune responses. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new treatments for anthrax infections.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
