Role of cyclic GMP in the action of heat-stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli

Atrial natriuretic factor elicits an endothelium-independent relaxation and activates particulate guanylate cyclase in vascular smooth muscle

A 26 amino acid synthetic peptide fragment of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) relaxed isolated rabbit aortic segments in which the endothelium was either intact or functionally destroyed. The relaxations were temporally associated with increases in levels of cGMP with no change in the levels of cAMP. The ANF-induced increases in cGMP were also observed in aortic segments pretreated with calcium-free buffer or the cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor M&B 22,948. Qualitatively similar results were obtained for sodium nitroprusside. ANF selectively activated particulate guanylate cyclase, having no effect on the soluble form of the enzyme. Thus, the direct (endothelium-independent) vasodilator effect of ANF may be mediated via increased tissue levels of cGMP. ANF appears to increase vascular cGMP levels by activation of particulate guanylate cyclase.

Solubilization and partial characterization of the intestinal receptor for Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin

Binding of Escherichia coli strain 431 heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) and activation of intestinal particulate guanylate cyclase by E. coli STa were studied with rat intestinal epithelial cells and brush border membranes (BBMs). The rates of guanylate cyclase stimulation by 431 STa in cells and BBMs were rapid, with maximal levels of cyclic GMP observed within 5 min. Specific binding of 125I-labeled STa from E. coli 431 (431 125I-STa) and activation of guanylate cyclase by unlabeled 431 STa were observed with intestinal BBMs; however, neither was detected with membranes from nonintestinal tissues. The STa receptor was solubilized with 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate, a nondenaturing dipolar ionic detergent, in yields of approximately 50%. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the detergent-solubilized receptor-431 125I-STa complex, followed by autoradiography, showed that 431 125I-STa bound to a single BBM component with a molecular weight of about 100,000. Binding of 431 STa to its solubilized receptor was saturable, specific, and essentially irreversible. Pretreatment of the soluble receptor with trypsin and pronase but not chymotrypsin decreased binding of 431 125I-STa. The 431 STa-receptor complex was dissociated by boiling in the presence of 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate, incubation with 0.5 M acetic acid, or reduction with dithiothreitol. In contrast to the residual particulate guanylate cyclase activity of detergent-treated membranes, solubilized guanylate cyclase was not stimulated by STa. Membrane structure appears to play an important role in the coordination of STa binding and stimulation of guanylate cyclase activity.

A common antigenic determinant found in two functionally unrelated toxins

The heat-stable enterotoxin ST Ib produced by enterotoxigenic E. coli strains shares a sequence homology with the sea snail neurotoxin, conotoxin GI. Rabbit antisera were raised against synthetic analogs of these toxins and to a six-residue peptide representing the region common to both toxins. Results from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays indicate that the homologous region of both toxins represents part of their antigenic site. The lack of cross-reactivity exhibited by the six-residue common domain with serum directed against either toxin suggests that this region probably retains a similar conformation in the intact toxins but not in the isolated fragment.

Effect of native and synthetic atrial natriuretic factor on cyclic GMP

Mammalian atrial cardiocyte granules contain a potent natriuretic and diuretic peptide. Since cGMP appears to be involved in the modulation of cholinergic and toxin-induced sodium transport, we examined the effect of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on this nucleotide. Atrial but not ventricular extracts elicited approximately a 28-fold increase of urinary cGMP excretion parallel to the natriuresis and diuresis. The atrial extracts also elevated cGMP levels in kidney slices and primary cultures of renal tubular cells. The effect of ANF on cGMP appeared to be specific since antibodies which were capable of inhibiting the ANF-induced diuresis also suppressed cGMP excretion. Furthermore, during the course of ANF purification, the ANF-induced increase of cGMP production by kidney cells paralleled the heightened specific natriuretic activity of the atrial factor. A synthetic peptide (8-33)-ANF similarly increased urinary plasma and kidney tubular cGMP levels. The exact mechanism of action of ANF on cGMP remains to be elucidated, but indirect inhibition of cGMP phosphodiesterase appears to participate in its effect.

A controlled study of endemic sporadic diarrhoea among adult residents of southern Brazil

The aetiology of sporadic summer diarrhoea and enterotoxin (LT) antibody titres was studied among 43 adult patients in southern Brazil who had an acute, untreated diarrhoeal illness and 43 age- and sex-matched controls from the same area. A potential pathogen was identified in 33 of 34 patients and in 17 of 43 controls (p less than 0.01). 10 Shigella, one invasive Escherichia coli, one Salmonella and one Entamoeba histolytica were identified in 17 patients with inflammatory diarrhoea (faecal polymorphonuclear neutrophil leucocytes (PMN) present). In the other four only enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli were identified. Among 26 patients with non-inflammatory (no faecal PMN) diarrhoea, heat-stable (ST) toxin-producing coliforms were the most common pathogens isolated (27%). Heat-labile (LT) toxin-producing coliforms or serological rises to LT were seen in five patients, Strongyloides larvae in five, Giardia lamblia trophozoites in four and an LT-producing Salmonella in one. No pathogen was found in 10 patients with non-inflammatory diarrhoea. Among 43 controls, 11 LT coliforms, two Shigella and two Strongyloides larvae were found. 40 of 41 controls had detectable serum anti-LT antibody. A single ST-producing E. coli was found in one other control. No pathogen was identified in 26 controls. No rotaviruses or Norwalk-like viral agents were seen by direct or immune electron microscopy of stool filtrates. While LT-producing E. coli are frequently associated with endemic summer childhood diarrhoea in southern Brazil and are recognized causes of travellers' diarrhoea, this study shows that they are often carried asymptomatically by adults living in this region.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Stimulation of calcium uptake and cyclic GMP synthesis in rat basophilic leukemia cells by Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin

The effect of Escherichia coli heat-stable (ST) enterotoxin on calcium and cyclic nucleotide metabolism in rat basophilic leukemia cell cultures was investigated. Addition of ST enterotoxin to rat basophilic leukemia cell cultures resulted in dose- and time-dependent stimulation of calcium uptake and elevation of the intracellular cyclic GMP (cGMP) concentration. The effect of ST enterotoxin on calcium uptake (P less than 0.02) and cGMP synthesis (P less than 0.02) was demonstrated after 5 and 30 min of incubation at 37 degrees C, respectively. In further studies ST enterotoxin did not enhance calcium release or the intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP. The stimulation of calcium uptake and cGMP synthesis by ST enterotoxin was inhibited by pharmacological and chemical agents which block cellular calcium entry and prostaglandin synthesis. These results demonstrate that ST enterotoxin induces calcium uptake and cGMP synthesis in rat basophilic leukemia cell cultures.

Reduction of the secretory response to Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin by thiol and disulfide compounds

We examined the effects of disulfide and thiol compounds on Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) and cyclic GMP-induced secretion. Both cystamine and cystine (disulfide compounds) reduced the secretory responses to submaximal doses of ST in suckling mice (at 0.5 mumol per mouse) and reduced ST activation of guanylate cyclase (by 33 to 73% at 1 mM). In higher doses, cystamine completely eradicated a maximally effective ST dose as well. In addition, the sulfhydryl (thiol) compounds cysteamine, cysteine, and acetylcysteine strikingly reduced the secretory response and the guanylate cyclase response to ST. Neither the disulfide nor the thiol compounds tested reduced cyclic GMP-induced secretion. These studies suggest that disulfide and thiol compounds both block ST-induced secretion before its activation of guanylate cyclase. Taken with the work of others, these findings suggest that disulfide compounds may alter the oxidation reduction state of a cell or act directly on the guanylate cyclase enzyme, whereas thiol compounds may inactivate ST itself by breaking its disulfide bridges, or it may alter guanylate cyclase activation by ST. Both families of compounds deserve further consideration among potential antisecretory agents for application in the control of ST-induced diarrhea.

Effect of Yersinia enterocolitica ST on cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate levels in mouse intestines and cultured cells

We determined the effect of heat-stable enterotoxin produced by Yersinia enterocolitica (Y. enterocolitica ST) on cyclic nucleotide levels in the intestines of 6-day-old mice and in cultured cell line cells. The concentration of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) in homogenates of the intestines increased four- to fivefold by 3 min after intragastric administration of 10 units of purified Y. enterocolitica ST. This increase continued for 60 min, and then the concentration of cyclic GMP fell toward the levels of the controls. On the other hand, fluid accumulation in the intestines was not evident until 60 min after administration of the toxin. Thus, the increase in intestinal cyclic GMP concentration preceded measurable fluid accumulation. The effect on both cyclic GMP levels and fluid accumulation was abolished by treatment of the ST with either alkali solution (pH 10.7) or 2-mercaptoethanol. Likewise, cyclic GMP levels in cultured cells (CCL-6, HeLa, L, and Mm-1 cells) increased dose-dependently by 10 min after incubation of the cells with the ST. Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate levels in both intestines and cultured cells were not affected by the toxin.

Cytotoxicity of the bacterium Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans extracts in human gingival fibroblasts

Filter-sterilized sonic extracts (SE) of strains of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were shown to inhibit the proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts in vitro. The inhibition was dose-dependent: a 50 per cent inhibitory dose of 2 micrograms protein/ml was found for A. actinomycetemcomitans strain Y4. The inhibitory activity could be neutralized by homologous antiserum and was heat inactivated by temperatures of 80 degrees C or greater. The fibroblast-inhibitory activity was present in SEs of both leukotoxic-producing and non-leukotoxic strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans, suggesting that a separate agent is responsible for leukotoxicity and fibroblast inhibition. A short (10 min) exposure of the fibroblasts to the A. actinomycetemcomitans SE was sufficient to inhibit irreversibly cell proliferation, provided that serum was present at the time that the cells were exposed to the SE. SE-challenged fibroblasts exhibited a marked decrease in the rate of DNA synthesis, but no inhibition of RNA or protein synthesis. Although the SE-treated cells did not proliferate, they appeared to remain intact and viable; and displayed no gross morphological alterations.

Inhibition of Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin effects on intestinal guanylate cyclase and fluid secretion by quinacrine

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli may produce a heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) that causes diarrheal disease in humans and in animals ST activates particulate guanylate cyclase in intestinal mucosal cells and causes intestinal fluid secretion. In this study, we examined the effects of quinacrine on ST activation of guanylate cyclase and ST-mediated intestinal fluid secretion. Quinacrine significantly reduced ST activation of particulate guanylate cyclase in rat intestinal tissue. Additionally, quinacrine reduced ST-mediated fluid secretion in a rat intestinal loop assay (P less than 0.05). In the suckling mouse model, subcutaneous quinacrine (0.1 mumole/mouse) reduced ST-induced fluid secretion at a submaximally effective dose of the toxin, but it did not reduce ST-mediated fluid secretion at a near maximally effective dose. Quinacrine (0.1 mumole/mouse) did not significantly reduce intestinal fluid secretion induced by the analog of cyclic GMP, 8-bromo cyclic GMP. However, at a higher concentration of quinacrine (1 mumole/mouse), significant inhibition of 8-bromo cyclic GMP-induced secretion was observed. Inhibition by the antimalarial agent quinacrine of ST-induced fluid secretion, by a block prior to guanylate cyclase activation, suggests a possible role for a phospholipase early in the sequence of events of ST activation of guanylate cyclase. The results suggest that ST may activate membrane phospholipases prior to ST activation of guanylate cyclase.

The pathophysiology of secretory diarrheas

The mechanisms by which bacterial enterotoxins cause secretory diarrheas have been well defined, and the definitions of such mechanisms have been important in developing a consistently successful therapeutic approach. The less common secretory diarrheas, caused by the interaction of hormones of tumor origin with the gut small intestinal mucosa have also been clearly defined, and their pathogenetic mechanisms are similar to those by which the cholera and E. coli enterotoxins cause secretory diarrhea. The mechanisms by which histamine and gastrin of tumor origin cause gastric hypersecretion are less clearly delineated; secretory diarrhea caused by both of these agents can be stopped by total gastrectomy without removal of the responsible tumor. The secretory diarrhea caused by villous adenomas of the colon, which does not appear to be related to a distally produced humoral agent, results in the same picture of hypokalemic acidosis that is characteristic of the nonbacterial secretory diarrheas originating in the small intestine and is cured by resection of the responsible tumor.

Lanthanum chloride inhibition of the secretory response to Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin

Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) appears to cause intestinal fluid secretion by activating intestinal particulate guanylate cyclase. Recent studies suggest that chlorpromazine and quinacrine reduce the intestinal secretory response to ST and activation of guanylate cyclase by ST. We have examined the effects of lanthanum chloride, another agent that has been shown to inhibit calcium-dependent cellular processes, on the intestinal secretory response to ST and on the inhibition of ST by chlorpromazine and quinacrine. Lanthanum (2.5 to 10 mumol per mouse) reduced ST-mediated intestinal fluid secretion in the suckling mouse assay by 40 to 56%, respectively, but did not reduce basal fluid accumulation or ST activation of particulate guanylate cyclase. Intestinal fluid secretion in suckling mice induced by 8-bromocyclic GMP was also reduced by lanthanum. When subeffective doses of lanthanum and chlorpromazine were combined, they blocked both ST- and 8-bromocyclic GMP-mediated gut secretion in suckling mice. Likewise, the combination of subeffective doses of lanthanum and quinacrine reduced ST-mediated gut secretion in suckling mice. However, 8-bromocyclic GMP-induced secretion was not synergistically inhibited by lanthanum and quinacrine. These results suggest that lanthanum blocks ST-induced secretion after ST activation of guanylate cyclase. Additionally, lanthanum potentiates the inhibitory effects of quinacrine and chlorpromazine on ST and suggests that combination antisecretory therapy deserves further exploration.

Distribution of cyclic-GMP-dependent protein kinase in various rat tissues and cell lines determined by a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay

Cyclic-GMP-dependent protein kinase purified from bovine lung was radioiodinated by the Bolton-Hunter procedure yielding a specific radioactivity of 2200 Ci/mmol of enzyme, Using a specific precipitating rabbit antiserum to the cyclic-GMP-dependent protein kinase, a sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed which can detect 200 pg (1.33 fmol) of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase. Immunoreactivity like that of cyclic-GMP-dependent protein kinase was detectable in extracts of all rat tissues tested, in extracts of cultured rat brain and heart cells, and in extracts of rat glioma (C6) and neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells. In extracts of several tissues and cell lines the presence of cyclic-GMP-dependent protein kinase was also demonstrated by a photoaffinity-labeling procedure using 8-azidoinosine 3',5'-[32P]monophosphate. The results suggest that cyclic-GMP-dependent protein kinase is ubiquitously distributed although its level varies significantly from tissue to tissue and cell type to type. The results also support the hypothesis that cyclic-GMP-dependent protein kinase is involved in mediating some of the intracellular effects of those hormones, neurotransmitters and drugs which regulate the intracellular level of cyclic GMP.

Development of a radioimmunoassay for Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin: comparison with the suckling mouse bioassay

Escherichia coli strains which produce heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) are usually identified by demonstrating the production of ST. At present, ST can be detected only by bioassay methods. Recently, we purified E. coli ST, which enabled us to develop a radioimmunoassay for ST. Radioiodination of ST was performed by the lactoperoxidase method, which resulted in a high specific activity and retained the biological activity of St. Anti-ST antisera were raised in goats by injecting the goats with pure ST coupled to bovine immunoglobin G. Antibody titers ranged from 1:8,000 to 1:40,000. Using these reagents, we examined assay conditions thoroughly and found that a 14- to 18-h incubation at 4 degrees C in sodium acetate buffer with an ionic strength of 120 mM (pH 6.2) gave maximal sensitivity and reproducibility. Free ST was separated from antibody-bound ST by dextran-coated charcoal. This radioimmunoassay accurately and reproducibly measured ST in the range from 50 to 500 pg of ST per tube and could quantitate ST accurately in complex bacteriological media. This assay was specific for STa, measured human and porcine STa equally well, and did not cross-react with STb, with several other enterotoxins, or with various gastrointestinal peptides. Intact disulfide bridges in the ST molecule were required for immunoreactive activity.

Comparison of the biological actions of three purified heat-stable enterotoxins: effects on ion transport and guanylate cyclase activity in rabbit ileum in vitro

The biological activities of three purified preparations of heat-stable enterotoxin (ST), elaborated by different strains of Escherichia coli and known to differ in their amino acid composition and molecular size, were compared in the rabbit ileum. The mechanisms of action and potencies of all three purified STs were similar and resembled those previously demonstrated for partially purified ST. They all increased electrical potential difference and short-circuit current, inhibited active Cl- absorption, increased cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate production, and stimulated particulate guanylate cyclase activity in ileal mucosa. Their molar potencies were also similar, the concentrations of toxin required for half-maximal response differing less than fourfold in short-circuit current response and twofold in guanylate cyclase activity. However, there were 10-fold differences in potency when activity was expressed in mouse units per milliliter. Thus, heterogeneity in the size of these three ST molecules is not reflected in a difference in their mechanisms of action or potencies.

Isolation and characterization of hypertoxinogenic (htx) mutants of Escherichia coli KL320(pCG86)

The structural genes for heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) are present on plasmid pCG86. Escherichia coli KL320(pCG86), LT was found to be cell associated. LT was present as a soluble protein in sonic lysates of KL320(pCG86). Thirty-one mutants of KL320(pCG86) that produced increased amounts of extracellular LT were isolated. These hypertoxinogenic (htx) mutants were assigned to four phenotypically distinct classes based on the amounts of cell-associated and extracellular LT in early-stationary-phase cultures. Type 1 and type 2 htx mutants produced significantly increased amounts of cell-associated LT. Type 3 and type 4 htx mutants produced normal or decreased amounts of cell-associated LT was similar to that of the wild type. In the mutants of types 1, 3, and 4, the ratios of extracellular to cell-associated LT were higher than that of the wild type and were characteristic for each strain. Cell lysis or leakage of macromolecular cytoplasmic constituents appeared to be significant for release of LT by mutants of types 1, 3, and 4, because supernatants from cultures of these mutants also contained increased amounts of protein and of the cytoplasmic enzyme glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. In all four representative htx mutants, the hypertoxinogenic phenotypes were dependent on chromosomal mutations. The resident pCG86 plasmids were eliminated from the htx mutants of types 2 and 3. After wild-type plasmid pCG86 was introduced into the cured strains by conjugation, their hypertoxinogenic phenotypes were restored. We conclude that chromosomal loci in E. coli KL320 are important in regulating expression of the LT structural genes of plasmid pCG86.

A possible role for calcium in cyclic nucleotide mediated fluid secretion

This article suggests that calcium acts as an intermediate for intestinal fluid secretion mediated by adenosine-3':5'-cyclic monophosphoric acid (cAMP) and guanosine -3':5-'cyclic monophosphoric acid (cGMP). It is hypothesized that microbial enterotoxins disrupt the normal interrelationships between calcium and cyclic nucleotides, thereby leading to adverse biological effects. It is further proposed that the inhibitory effect of chlorpromazine on calmodulin accounts for the ability of this drug to inhibit enterotoxins which separately elevate cAMP or cGMP concentrations.

Failure of chlorpromazine to inhibit fluid accumulation caused by Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin in suckling mice

We studied the effect of chlorpromazine on fluid accumulation caused by purified heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in suckling mice. We found that chlorpromazine inactivated ST itself in vitro, but did not inhibit the activity of ST in the intestines.

Physiologic and pharmacologic effects of glucocorticoids on ion transport across rabbit ileal mucosa in vitro

Physiologic and pharmacologic effects of glucocorticoids on ileal ion transport were examined in vitro. Tissues were obtained from the three following groups of rabbits: (a) normal; (b) glucocorticoid deficient, which were treated with aminoglutethimide (AG), 100 mg twice daily for 3 d, with a resulting marked reduction in urinary cortisol excretion but no decrease in urinary aldosterone; and (c) methylprednisolone-treated (MP), 40 mg daily for 2 d. Transileal NaCl fluxes were measured with radioisotopes under short-circuit conditions, and the net HCO(3) flux was assumed equal to that portion of the short-circuit current (I(sc)) not accounted for by Na and Cl. In NaCl Ringer's solution containing 25 mM HCO(3) (pH 7.4), normals absorbed both Na and Cl and secreted HCO(3); the I(sc) was greater in both AG and MP groups than in normals; in the AG group, no Na was absorbed, and Cl as well as HCO(3) was secreted; in the MP group, more Na was absorbed and more HCO(3) secreted than in normals. Addition of glucose to the luminal side caused similar increments in I(sc) in all three groups, suggesting similar rates of Na-coupled glucose absorption. Secretory response was assessed with a maximal secretory simulus (8-Br-cAMP) and also a submaximal, cGMP-related secretory stimulus (Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin). After addition of 8-Br-cAMP, the rates of net Cl secretion were similar in all three groups, suggesting no effect of glucocorticoids on maximal secretory capacity. Because the AG group was already secreting Cl, however, the cAMP-induced change in net Cl flux was least in this group. After addition of heat-stable enterotoxin, there were similar changes in net Cl flux in all three groups. To examine specifically Cl-independent, electrogenic Na transport, we used a 10 mM HCO(3), Cl-free SO(4)-Ringer (ph 7.2) in which net Na absorption was previously shown to be equal to the I(sc). Under these conditions, I(sc) was greatest in the MP group and least in the AG group. In vitro addition of hydrocortisone, 50 mug/ml, to AG tissues had no effect on Cl fluxes or I(sc) over a 3.5-h period. No differences among groups were observed with respect to morphology, electrical resistance, or cGMP concentration. We conclude that (a) the effect of glucocorticoid deficiency is similar to that of a submaximal secretory stimulus in that Na absorption is inhibited and some Cl secretion develops; (b) electrogenic Na absorption is depressed in glucocorticoid deficiency and enhanced in glucocorticoid excess; (c) glucocorticoid excess increases HCO(3) secretion; and (d) glucocorticoid status does not affect maximal secretory capacity.

Enterotoxins from gram-negative bacteria relevant for veterinary medicine

The chemistry, mechanism of action, assay methods, pharmacology, and prevention and treatment of diarrhoea due to toxins of gram-negative microbes are discussed. Other virulence factors are mentioned briefly. Special emphasis is placed on non-specific treatment by oral rehydration.

Mode of action of heat-stable Escherichia coli enterotoxin. Tissue and subcellular specificities and role of cyclic GMP

Some enteric strains of Escherichia coli release a heat-stable enterotoxin which, in contrast to cholera and heat-labile E. coli enterotoxins, stimulates guanylate cyclase (GTP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.2). We have examined the tissue spcificity of its action and the relation of its action to those of the 8-bromo analogues of cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP. Heat-stable enterotoxin stimulated guanylate cyclase activity and increased cyclic GMP concentration throughout the small and large intestine. It increased transepithelial electric potential difference and short-circuit current in the jejunum, ileum and caecum but not in the duodenum or distal colon. This pattern of electrical responses was mimicked by 8-bromo-cyclic GMP. However, 8-bromo-cyclic AMP produced an electrical response in all intestinal segments. The enterotoxin failed to stimulate guanylate cyclase inliver, lung, pancreas or gastric antral mucosa. In the intestines, it stimulated only the particulate and not the soluble form of the enzyme. Preincubation of the toxin with intestinal membranes did not render it capable of stimulating pancreatic guanylate cyclase. Cytosol factors did not enhance the toxin's stimulation of intestinal guanylate cyclase. This study supports the role of cyclic GMP as intracellular mediator for heat-stable enterotoxin and suggests that the toxin affects a membrane-mediated mechanism for guanylate cyclase activation that is unique to the intestines.

Inhibition of Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin by indomethacin and chlorpromazine

Purified heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) from a procine strain of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli activates quanylate cyclase in particulate fractions of rat intestinal tissue and induces fluid accumulation in suckling mice. These effects of ST were examined in the presence of either indomethacin or chlorpromazine. We also examined the effects of these two drugs on fluid accumulation in suckling mice induced by the 8-bromo analog of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Either indomethacin or chlorpromazine reduced ST activation of guanylate cyclase. Both drugs also reduced intestinal fluid accumulation in suckling mice that resulted from submaximal doses of ST (both P < 0.001). However, there was no reduction in fluid secretion by either drug when a maximally effective dose of ST was used, suggesting that inhibition of fluid secretion by both drugs can be overcome by increasing the ST dose and that a threshold level of guanylate cyclase activity results in maximal secretory response. Both drugs also reduced basal guanylate cylase activity in rat intestinal tissue and fluid secreton in suckling mice. Chlorpromazine also reduced intestinal secretion mediated by 8-bromo cyclic guanosine monophosphate (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that chlorpromazine interferes with the effects of ST both before and after its activation of guanylate cyclase, whereas indomethacin interfers with ST only before its activation of guanylate cyclase.

Effect of chlorpromazine on ion transport induced by cholera toxin, cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in isolated mucosa from hen intestine

The isolated short circuit mucosa of chicken colon was established as an in vitro model for studies of the pathophysiology of diarrhoea and the mechanism of action of antidiarrhoeic drugs. Cholera toxin, 10(-7) M, added to the mucosal aide of the preparation, caused in a delayed reaction a pronounced increase of short circuit current (Isc). Cyclic AMP, which mediates the effect of cholera toxin (when added serosal) induced an immediate rise of Isc. Half maximal reaction was achieved at 3 mM cyclic AMP and maximal at 7 mM. The increase of Isc corresponded to the increase in the flux of chloride from serosa to mucosa. Unlike cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP almost equally stimulated sodium and chloride transport from serosa to mucosa. Unlike cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP almost equally stimulated sodium and chloride transport from serosa to mucosa, while the effect on Isc of the two nucleotides was additive. Chlorpromazine, which effectively reverses diarrhoea in cholera patients, totally normalized Isc after treatment with either cholera toxin, cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP. This reduction was achieved by a specific stimulation of transport of chloride from mucosa to serosa. The effect occurred also without previous treatment of the tissue with secretagogues (cholera toxin, cyclic nucleotides). No change in mucosal resistance was induced by chlorpromazine or cyclic GMP while it was reduced by cyclic AMP.

Cloning of deoxyribonucleic acid regions encoding a heat-labile and heat-stable enterotoxin originating from an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain of human origin

A heat-labile and heat-stable enterotoxin (LT+ ST+) plasmic (62.7 kilobases in size) was isolated from an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli human strain, H10407, and used for analysis of the LT+ and ST+ deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) regions. A DNA segment containing the LT+ and ST+ DNA regions, which consisted of two restriction endonuclease EcoRI fragments (E1 and E2), was inserted into the cloning vehicle ColE1::Tn5 by EcoRI digestion and subsequent ligation. Further cloning experiments localized the LT+ DNA region on a 5.1-kilobase restriction endonuclease PstI fragment present over the junction between the E1 and E2 fragments, as seen in the original LT+ ST+ plasmid, and the ST+ DNA region on a 1.5-kilobase PstI fragment present in either the E1 or E2 fragment. A change in the relative orientation of the E1 and E2 fragments resulted in altered levels of LT production. The relative orientation of the ColE1::Tn5 fragment to the E1 and E2 fragments also markedly influenced both LT and ST production levels. The LT+ ST+ E1-E2 region contained two unique DNA sequences consisting of a DNA segment flanked by inverted repeats which were readily distinguished from each other by size. The cloned ST+ PstI fragment was structurally very similar to one of these unique DNA sequences present in the LT+ ST+ E1-E2 region.

Membrane lipids can modulate guanylate cyclase activity of rat intestinal microvillus membranes

Studies of the temperature dependence (10-40 degrees C) of guanylate cyclase in rat intestinal microbillus membranes reveal a change in energy of activation (slope of the Arrhenius plot) at 30 +/- 1 degree C. The break point temperature corresponds to the lipid thermotropic transition in these membranes previously characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (range: 23-39 degrees C; peak temperature, 31 degrees C). The break point temperature for guanylate cyclase also corresponds to that of a number of other microbillus membrane enzymes and of D-glucose transport. These activities are defined as "intrinsic" membrane activities by this operational criterion. Treatment with the nonionic detergent Lubrol WX increased the guanylate cyclase activity 4- to 8-fold and removed the discontinuity in the Arrhenius plot.

Gastrointestinal Function

This chapter discusses the functions of gastrointestinal tract. The principal functions of the gastrointestinal tract are assimilation of nutrients and excretion of the waste products of digestion. Within the gastrointestinal tract, these substances are solubilized and degraded enzymatically to simple molecules, sufficiently small in size and in a form that permits absorption across the mucosal epithelium. The distribution of the different types of secretory cells in the salivary glands varies among species. The mandibular and sublingual glands are mixed salivary glands containing both mucous and serous types of cells, and produce a viscous secretion that contains large amounts of mucus. The cytoplasm of the secretory cells contains numerous zymogen granules that vary in size and number depending on the activity of the gland. These granules contain the precursors of the hydrolytic enzymes responsible for digestion of the major dietary components. The cells of the terminal ducts probably secrete the bicarbonate ion responsible for neutralizing hydrochloric acid that enters the duodenum from the stomach.

Enterotoxins of Escherichia coli and epilepsy

Evidence exists that cyclic nucleotides play an important role in the stabilisation of developing synapses during the early postnatal period, and later on participate in the generation of the slow excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. It is postulated that enterotoxins of Escherichia coli, due to their long-lasting and specific action on cyclic nucleotide-dependent processes, provide a unique mechanism for selective impairment of synaptogenesis in the abscence of cell loss. Therefore it seems possible that early enteritis, when caused by certain pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli, might be an aetiological factor in the genesis of idiopathic epilepsy.