Cholera toxin-induced secretion in rats is reduced by a soluble fiber, gumArabic

Gum arabic (GA), a soluble fiber with emulsifying properties, enhances inte stinal water and electrolyte absorption in normal and secreting rats. Our a im was to assess the effect of GA, 2.5 and 5.0 g/liter, on cholera toxin-in duced water and electrolyte secretion in rat jejunum in vivo. After a 2-hr exposure to cholera toxin. jejunal segments of adult rats were perfused in vivo with a plasma electrolyte solution containing GA, 0, 2.5 or 5.0 g/lite r. Na-24 was used as a marker of sodium influx. Cholera toxin-induced secre tion was reduced by GA, 2.5 and 5.0 g/liter. Na-24 secretion into the lumen was reduced by GA. GA caused a morphological expansion of intercellular sp aces in the villi but not crypts. In conclusion, GA promotes lumen to blood intestinal transport of water and sodium despite cholera toxin activation. These observations support a potential role for GA in enhancing the effica cy of ORS.