Question

Cholera patients are given saline drips because

• A. NaCl maintains RBC.
• B. Cl ions are major components of plasma.
• C. Cl ions are used to make HCl in stomach.
• D. Na ions helps to retain water in the body and is a component of selective membrane transport.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Na ions helps to retain water in the body and is a component of selective membrane transport.

Cholera toxin secreted by Vibrio cholerae found in contaminated drinking water, catalyzes the transfer of ADP-ribose from NAD oxidised state to $\alpha$ subunit of G protein blocking its GTPase activity and, thereby, rendering it permanently activated. This results in continuous activation of the adenylate cyclase of intestinal epithelial cells and the resultant high concentration of cAMP triggers continuous secretion of chloride, bicarbonate and water into the intestinal lumen. The resulting dehydration and electrolyte loss are the major pathologies in cholera. Hence, patients are given saline drip.