Purified staphylococcal alpha toxin: effect on epithelial ion transport.

Purified staphylococcal alpha toxin, when added to the serosal bathing medium of the isolated toad bladder, causes a rapid fall in short-circuit current and transepithelial potential difference. It has no effect when added to the mucosal bathing medium. Oxygen consumption by suspensions of minced bladder tissue is stimulated by the toxin. These effects are neutralized by staphylococcal antitoxin.