Wine Components Inhibit Cholera Toxin-Induced Intestinal Secretion in Rats

Gut bacterial toxins contribute to many diseases, including diarrhea. Cholera represents a life-threatening form of enterotoxin-induced diarrhea caused by infection with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Diarrhea results from the prosecretory actions of a bacterial enterotoxin. The aim of this study was to identify dietary compounds that antagonize the intestinal secretory actions of cholera toxin and which might be useful in diarrhea prevention and treatment. Rat small intestine (jejunum) was ligated in vivo and separate segments of small bowel were randomly injected with various dietary compounds in the presence and absence of cholera toxin. The secretory response to cholera toxin was assessed by measuring the amount of fluid secreted into the bowel segments. Compared to controls, red wine and wine components significantly inhibited the small intestinal secretory response to cholera toxin. Grape juice, ethanol (12%), and World Health Organization rehydration fluid had lesser antisecretory effects. These novel results demonstrate that nonethanol components of wine possess antisecretory effects. These substances may be useful in treating gut enterotoxin-mediated diseases such as cholera.