Effect of berberine on enterotoxin-induced intestinal fluid accumulation in rats.
We have determined the effects of berberine (Berberis aristita) on intestinal fluid accumulation due to enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) heat-stable (ST) toxin in suckling (24-days old) Wistar rats. Intestinal fluid accumulation occurred in suckling Wistar rats by administration of culture filtrate containing ST-producing ETEC in serial dilutions up to 1/8 dilution by oral or intragastric route. When berberine (0.1 mg) and 1/8 dilution of ST-toxin were given together by oral or intragastric injection, a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in fluid accumulation was observed. Neither treatment with berberine orally before intragastric injection of ST-toxin nor intragastric administration of berberine after ST-toxin reduced the fluid accumulation due to ST-toxin.
Khin-Maung-U
Clinical Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Rangoon, Myanmar, Burma.
Nwe-Nwe-Wai
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D001599:Berberine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001834:Body Water / Q000187:drug effects; D004768:Enterotoxins; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D004768:Enterotoxins; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; C034151:heat stable toxin (E coli); D001599:Berberine