Investigations of intestinal secretion are often performed under anaesthesia. This study evaluates the influence of anaesthetic agents on the intestinal secretion induced by cholera toxin (CT) in the pig. CT was instilled for 4 h in ligated jejunal loops under anaesthesia with halothane, saffan, alpha-chloralose, or propofol. Cardiovascular parameters, blood gas data, plasma cortisol levels, net fluid accumulation, intraluminal mediators (serotonin (5-HT), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)) and electrolyte concentrations in the accumulated fluid were determined. The systolic blood pressure and heart rate was highest for saffan-anaesthetized pigs (blood pressure: saffan > alpha-chloralose > propofol = halothane; heart rate: saffan > alpha-chloralose = propofol = halothane), while blood gases and cortisol levels were within the same range. CT induced a dose-dependent fluid accumulation under all four anaesthetics. The fluid accumulation was significantly higher in pigs treated with saffan, alpha-chloralose and propofol than in halothane-treated pigs (saffan = alpha-chloralose > propofol > halothane). There was no significant difference in electrolyte concentrations in the accumulated fluid or in the luminal content of 5-HT and PGE2 between anaesthetics. The results demonstrate that anaesthetic agents profoundly influence the secretory response in the small intestine and indicate the importance of the choice of anaesthetic in this type of experiment.