Which of the following statements is true of cholera enterotoxin?
## **Core Concept**
Cholera enterotoxin, produced by Vibrio cholerae, is a key virulence factor causing the severe diarrheal disease cholera. This toxin acts on the intestinal epithelial cells, leading to a profound increase in fluid and electrolyte secretion into the intestinal lumen. The mechanism involves the activation of adenylate cyclase in the intestinal epithelial cells.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The cholera toxin causes an increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels within the intestinal epithelial cells by ADP-ribosylating the alpha subunit of the Gs protein. This modification keeps the Gs protein in its active state, continuously stimulating adenylate cyclase to produce cAMP. The increased cAMP levels activate protein kinase A, which in turn phosphorylates and activates the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel. The activation of CFTR leads to an increased secretion of chloride ions into the intestinal lumen. Water and sodium ions follow the chloride ions due to osmotic and electrical gradients, resulting in the massive outpouring of fluid and electrolytes into the intestine, characteristic of cholera.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the mechanism or effect of cholera toxin.
- **Option B:** This option is incorrect as it also fails to accurately represent the action or consequence of cholera toxin on intestinal secretion.
- **Option C:** Without the specific details of option C, it's understood that any option not describing the increase in cAMP and subsequent chloride and fluid secretion would be incorrect.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that the treatment of cholera focuses on aggressive fluid replacement to counteract the massive fluid loss, along with antibiotic therapy to reduce the duration of illness and shedding of the organism. The use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) has been a revolutionary advancement in treating cholera and other diarrheal diseases, significantly reducing mortality.
## **Correct Answer:** D. Increases the levels of cyclic AMP in intestinal epithelial cells.