Citation

Antisecretory factor (AF) is a protein which regulates fluid transport in the intestine and other organs. Extensive malting of wheat releases certain chemicals which induce AF and inhibit enterotoxic diarrhoea. The aim of this study was to identify AF-inducing substances in wheat malt. The active fractions of the malt leachate contained guaiacol, ferulic acid, and vanillic acid. These three 2-methyl-catechols gave >50% inhibition of cholera toxin-induced secretion in the gut. In contrast, fully methylated catechol had the opposite action; that is, they were secretory rather than antisecretory. Guaiacol and ferulic acid were further shown to induce AF in blood. Since the 2-methoxyphenol structure is present in substances binding to the vanilloid receptor, TRPV1, the specific blocker of this receptorcapsazepinewas tested. This substance exerted >50% inhibition of cholera secretion. Thus 2-methyl-catechols in wheat malt induce AF, and probably exert their effect via the TRPV1 receptor.