Abstract

The migrating action potential complex (MAPC), a single ring contraction that propels luminal contents abroad, is elicited by Vibrio cholerae and its enterotoxin, choleragen (A1A2B5), in rabbit ileal loops in vivo. Choleragenoid (B5; the binding subunit) was shown previously to induce MAPCs without activating the adenylate cyclase system and without stimulating fluid output. We restudied purified B5 (extracted by high-performance liquid chromatography) to assess its effects on the myoelectric activity of rabbit ileum: can MAPC activity can be induced without associated fluid production? Four different B5 preparations and two controls, V. cholerae and sterile saline, were used. MAPC activity and ileal fluid output were significantly increased in animals inoculated with A1A2B5 (V. cholerae-El Tor) compared with all other preparations and controls. Importantly, MAPC activity and fluid output in all B5 groups did not differ from those in saline controls, demonstrating that purified B5 does not induce MAPC activity in rabbit ilium in vivo. The previous study showing B5-induced MAPCs may have resulted from A1A2B5 contamination. These results suggest A1A2B5-induced adenylate cyclase activation; myoelectric activity may be interrelated with holotoxin binding that causes a neural response.