[Infectious diarrhea: weakening of mucosal protection caused by a pathogenic Escherichia coli in ileal loops in the rabbit].

The histological, enzymatic and water-electrolyte modifications induced by a toxinogenic strain of E. coli (O128B12) were studied. The observed water loss was due to the action of the bacterial toxins on the ionic pumps of the epithelial cells. After 4 hours of contact with the bacterial strain, one-third of the goblet cells of the intestinal epithelium were totally degranulated. This indicated an increase in the destruction of the mucus and therefore the weakening of mucosa protection through action of bacterial enzymes and toxins.