[Scanning electron microscopy and x-ray microanalysis of the small intestine of suckling rabbits exposed to cholera toxin].

Surface alterations and elemental distribution in small intestinal enterocytes of suckling rabbits were studied by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray microanalysis. The latter was performed on 10 mu thick freeze-dried cryosections. Cholera toxin was found to diminish the sodium and chloride content in the epithelial layer from the cryptae towards the tops of the villi, while in control animals, no difference in the elemental distribution was revealed. The changes in the enterocyte surface consisted in the disarrangement of the microvilli and appearance of bullous enlargements on their tops.