Intestinal Secretion: Effect of Cyclic Amp and Its Role in Cholera

Abstract

ALTHOUGH we usually think of the small intestine in terms of its absorptive functions, it also has the capacity to secrete water and electrolytes. Its secretory capacity is impressively demonstrated by the diarrhea of cholera, which is almost entirely of small-bowel origin.1 An afflicted person at the height of his disease may excrete by rectum more than 1 liter of fluid every hour. It is not uncommon for patients to require fluid replacement in excess of their body weight over a period of several days.2 Probably an even greater amovint of fluid passes from the ileum into the colon, as . . .