Fluid secretory response of bovine Thiry jejunal fistula to enterotoxin of Clostridium perfringens.

The effect of enterotoxin of Clostridium perfringens type A was studied in Thiry fistula of the bovine jejunum. Accumulation of fluid as a pathological response was demonstrable within 30 min after introduction of enterotoxin into the fistula; the fluid volume increased rapidly within the first 2 hr and reached maximum in 7 hr. The enterotoxin was not destroyed by the jejunal fluid; 52% of it was absorbed in 2 to 3 hr, and all of the enterotoxin was taken up within 8 hr postinoculation. The accumulation of fluid by the fistula after 0.5 to 2 hr of exposure to enterotoxin ceased completely within 5 hr.