Chlorpromazine inhibition of enterotoxin-induced fluid secretion and cAMP production in rat ileum.

A heat-labile enterotoxin prepared from E. coli (EcLT) increased fluid secretion and cAMP production by segments of rat ileum in vivo and in vitro. The effect of this toxin was compared to that of cholera toxin (VcLT). The increase of cAMP occurred more rapidly after EcLT than after VcLT indicating a difference in the kinetics of uptake or action of the two toxins. Chlorpromazine (CPZ) 5 mg/kg given by intramuscular injection 1 h before application of the toxins inhibited the increase in cAMP levels and the increase in fluid secretion in vivo. CPZ 10(-4) M given together with the toxins to intestinal loops in vitro inhibited the increase in cAMP levels and fluid secretion by this preparation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that CPZ caused extensive shedding of the fluid-producing mucosal cells.