Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus, B. megaterium and related species. It is a potent cytotoxin that destroys mitochondria. It causes nausea and vomiting.
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Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus, B. megaterium and related species. It is a potent cytotoxin that destroys mitochondria. It causes nausea and vomiting.
Cereulide acts as an ionophore with a high affinity for potassium cations. Exposure to cereulide causes loss of the membrane potential and uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria. The nausea and vomiting is believed to be caused by cereulide's binding and activation of 5-HT3 receptors, leading to increased afferent vagus nerve stimulation.
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