Summary

The histological, enzymatic and water-electrolyte modifications induced by the administration of smectite, a type of clay reputed to be mucoprotective, have been studied in the rabbit ileal mucosa during infection by saprophytic bacteria and toxigenic E. coli 0128B12. Smectite diminished the bacterial mucolysis and the destruction of the luminal surface membranes of the intestinal epithelium by pathogenic bacteria, as evidenced by the elevation of the disaccharidase and alkaline phosphatase levels. As a result of these effects, the net ion fluxes and net fluid changes favour absorption. These results could account for the mechanism of action of smectite in infectious human diarrhoea.