Prostaglandin E2: a factor in the pathogenesis of cholera.

Injection of cholera toxin in vivo into loops of intestine in rats caused the production of an exudate. This was found to contain prostaglandin E2 by assay on the rat stomach strip and by thin-layer chromatography. The amounts found ranged from 20 to 40 ng per loop of intestine. Introduction of 30 ng of prostaglandin E2 into intestinal loops caused the production of an exudate similar in volume to that found after the introduction of cholera toxin. These results indicate that the exudate in cholera is caused by the action of prostaglandin liberated by the enterotoxin. It is suggested that an inhibitor of prostaglandin release could be added to the solutions used in treatment for the restoration of fluids and electrolytes, with the object of blocking the action of toxin still present in the intestinal lumen, thereby achieving a more rapid therapeutic result.