AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 239, Issue 5 382-G386, Copyright © 1980 by American Physiological Society
Shigella dysenteriae I enterotoxin: proposed role in pathogenesis of shigellosis
J. R. Mathias, G. M. Carlson, J. L. Martin, R. P. Shields and S. Formal
Bacterial strains of Shigella dysenteriae I (3818-T and 3818-O) and
Shigella enterotoxin altered myoelectric activity of the small intestine in
New Zealand White rabbits. These agents were compared with activity caused
by sterile culture broth or sterile saline. The altered myoelectric
activity was characterized by two distinct complexes: repetitive bursts of
action potentials (RBAP), characteristic of invasive strains of bacteria,
and the migrating action potential complex (MAPC), characteristic of
noninvasive bacteria. RBAP activity was the predominant myoelectric complex
observed with S. dysenteriae strain 3818-T, an invader and toxin producer;
S. dysenteriae strain 3818-O, a noninvader and toxin producer; and by
Shigella enterotoxin. MAPC activity was present but was significantly less
in all cases. These studies of the small intestine demonstrate an
alteration in myoelectric activity characterized principally by RBAP
activity indicative of invasion.
