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Updated: May 10, 2026
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Determination of Tolerable Fatty Acids and Cholera Toxin Concentrations Using Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells and BALB/c Mouse Macrophages
Published on: May 30, 2013
Intestinal fluid and electrolyte transport in human cholera
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|January 1, 1970
Summary
In cholera patients, fluid and electrolyte loss occurs in the jejunum and ileum, with greater loss from the jejunum. Normal absorptive function typically recovers by day six.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Physiology
Background:
- Cholera causes significant fluid and electrolyte loss, impacting small intestinal function.
- Understanding the precise mechanisms of fluid and electrolyte transport in cholera is crucial for effective treatment.
- Previous studies have relied on animal models, necessitating validation in human subjects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify fluid and electrolyte loss in the jejunum and ileum during acute and recovery phases of human cholera.
- To compare fluid and electrolyte transport rates between jejunum and ileum.
- To correlate intestinal fluid loss with stool output and assess recovery of absorptive function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the marker perfusion technique to accurately measure transmucosal fluid and electrolyte transport rates in the jejunum and ileum.
- Enrolled 27 Indian patients with cholera and 11 healthy controls.
- Analyzed fluid composition (isotonicity, bicarbonate concentration) and transport rates during different disease phases.
Main Results:
- Fluid loss occurred from both jejunal and ileal mucosa, with significantly greater losses from the jejunum.
- Ileal fluid bicarbonate concentration was higher than jejunal, and both were elevated during acute cholera compared to convalescence.
- Net jejunal fluid transport positively correlated with fasting intestinal flow rate and stool output; recovery was typically complete by day six.
Conclusions:
- Human cholera involves significant jejunal and ileal fluid and electrolyte loss, validating animal models.
- The marker perfusion technique is effective for measuring small intestinal transport in cholera.
- Further application of this technique in other diarrheal diseases could yield valuable insights.
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