Ileal Smooth Muscle Motility Depression on Rabbit Induced by Toxin A from Clostridium difficile

Abstract

This study is aimed at elucidating with in vitro experiments the time course of alteration of ileal motility caused by in vivo exposure of ligated loops of ileum to toxin A (1 microg/ligated loop) of Clostridium difficile. In the sham-operated animals no significant alteration of motility was observed. In ligated loops directly injected with toxin A and in loops neighboring those administered with this toxin, a biphasic time course of motility alterations was observed. There was initially (2 h after toxin administration) an increase in spontaneous motility and in the amplitude of maximal contraction induced by potassium and acetylcholine. Afterwards there was a progressive depression of motility, which was more severe in loops directly injected. These results suggested a significant progressive depression of rabbit ileal motility induced by toxin A from C. difficile.

Duodenitis‐Proximal Jejunitis in Horses After Experimental Administration ofClostridium difficileToxins

“…The endoscope was then advanced through the gastric pylorus into the proximal duodenum, where the C. difficile toxin concentrate was infused through the endoscope's biopsy channel with a pressure bag. Horses 1 and 2 received 500 mL and 1 L of nonconcentrated (19) toxins, respectively. Horses 3-6 received 3 L of concentrated toxin (29) preparation (see Table S1 for specific volumes and location of dosing).…”

“…Purified toxins of C. difficile cause significant muscle excitation‐contraction coupling alterations in intestinal smooth muscle . This transitory increase in intestinal motility is followed by an absence of intestinal motility by 18 hours after toxin A exposure . This suggests that C. difficile toxins alter small‐intestinal motility in horses leading to ileus and potentially contribute to subsequent development of clinical signs of DPJ.…”