The mechanism of action for tetanus toxin involves inhibition of neurotransmitter release. Once it enters the body, the toxin binds to peripheral nerve terminals and is transported to the spinal cord. In the spinal cord, it cleaves synaptobrevin, a protein essential for the release of neurotransmitters. This cleavage prevents the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA and glycine, leading to unopposed muscle contraction and spasms.
