A toxin from Clostridium perfringens creates pores in intestinal epithelial cell membranes. What immediate physiological change most directly leads to diarrhea in infected individuals?

Increased shedding of epithelial cells from the intestinal lining

Reduced peristaltic movement of the intestinal muscles

Disruption of ion gradients causing water to move into the intestinal lumen

Overstimulation of immune cells leading to inflammatory blockage of absorption