Effect of lodoxamide on the secretory response induced by Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae enterotoxins in infant mice

The effect of lodoxamide tromethamine, a calcium antagonist, on intestinal fluid accumulation induced by Escherichia coli heat-stable (ST) and Vibrio cholerae (CT) enterotoxins in infant mice was investigated. The simultaneous administration of lodoxamide with ST and CT enterotoxin resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) inhibition of the intestinal fluid response. A minimum concentration of 10^-7 or 10^-8 M lodoxamide caused an inhibition (P < 0.01) of the ST- or CT-mediated fluid response, respectively. Treatment of infant mice with buffer or drug alone did not result in fluid accumulation. A significant inhibition of ST and CT enterotoxic activities was also observed when lodoxamide was administered 30 min before (P < 0.02) or 30 min after (P < 0.01) toxin challenge. These data suggest that calcium may be important in the ST- or CT-mediated induction of fluid accumulation. Further studies on the potential use of lodoxamide tromethamine in both the prophylaxis and treatment of diarrheal disease appear warranted.