The effect on enterotoxicity of protease purified from Vibrio cholerae O1.

The effect on enterotoxicity of protease purified from Vibrio cholerae O1 was investigated by the inoculation of live vibrio cells into protease-treated loops of the ileal loop model. Fluid accumulation ratios in the protease-treated loops were elevated in a dose-dependent manner by challenge with live vibrio cells but not by that with toxin. An enhancement effect of protease on enterotoxicity was observed in both serotypes of V. cholerae O1 and V. cholerae non-O1. It is suggested, therefore, that the enterotoxicity was enhanced by treatment with protease when live vibrio cells were inoculated into the ileal loops of rabbits.