The effect of Escherichia coli heat-stable toxin on the trans-epithelial intestinal elimination of ciprofloxacin in the rabbit

The effect of Escherichia coli heat-stable toxin (ST) on the intestinal tra ns-epithelial elimination of ciprofloxacin was studied in the rabbit model. Following a systemic 27 mg/kg dose, excreted amounts of ciprofloxacin duri ng the 2 h experiment were: 9.3 (+/- 4.8); 12.5 (+/- 5.2) and 0.3 (+/- 0.1) mug/cm(2) surface of intestinal wall in ST-challenged jejunal, ileal and c aecal loops, respectively, In control loops the corresponding amounts were: 5.0 (+/- 2,8), 6.5 (+/- 3.4) and 0.3 (+/- 0.1) mu /cm(2), respectively. Th e trans-epithelial elimination of ciprofloxacin was significantly higher in ST-challenged small bowel loops than in controls while caecal elimination was negligible.