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PubMed2000

Molecular studies of the intestinal mucosal barrier physiopathology using cocultures of epithelial and immune cells: a technical update.

Peyer's patch lymphocytes cocultured with Caco-2 cells trigger the phenotypic conversion of enterocytes into cells that express morphological and functional M-cell properties. We report a technical update for setting up this model, which will enable the study of M-cell biology, the identification by biochemical approaches of molecules involved in the interaction of microorganisms with M cells, and the development of vectors that would efficiently target the mucosal immune system.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Clinical models of intestinal adaptation.

Mucosal adaptation of the small intestine is morphologically restricted to only three different patterns, namely, atrophy, hyperplasia, and hyperregeneration. The hyperplastic mucosa in the experimental short bowel syndrome exhibits unchanged epithelial barrier properties and a differential functional adaptation with a 150% increase in Na-glucose cotransport but no change in electroneutral NaCl cotransport. In the hyperregeneratively transformed mucosa of the self-filling blind loop of rat jejunum, absorption is seriously impaired, as indicated by the 80% decrease in Na-glucose cotransport. To compensate for this, epithelial barrier function is upregulated by an increase in tight junction complexity to prevent leak flux of ions and substrates. In contrast, the hyperregeneratively transformed mucosa in celiac sprue shows reduced tight junction complexity. Possible candidates responsible for the heterogeneity of tight junction adaptation in these conditions could be cytokines, because tumor necrosis factor-alpha can specifically downregulate the tight junction, as indicated in the intestinal HT-29/B6 cell model.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Transcriptional downregulation of tight junction protein ZO-1 in active coeliac disease is reversed after a gluten-free diet.

UNLABELLED: Coeliac disease is an autoimmune enteropathy characterized by an enhanced permeability of the intestinal epithelial barrier. In epithelial cells paracellular permeability is regulated by intercellular tight junction. The cytoplasmic protein ZO-1 interacts directly with F-actin and plays a pivotal role in the structural and functional organization of tight junction. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and localization of ZO-1 in the intestinal mucosa of coeliac patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with active coeliac disease, seven of whom underwent a repeat biopsy following a gluten-free diet and 27 control subjects, were studied. In all subjects, three biopsies were obtained from distal duodenum during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. ZO-1 protein localization and levels were detected by immunofluorescence followed by confocal microscopy analysis and immunoblotting. ZO-1 mRNA expression was assessed by RT-PCR. F-actin distribution was also investigated. RESULTS: In patients with active coeliac disease, both ZO-1 protein levels and mRNA were clearly reduced. Cytoskeletal organization was disrupted with F-actin staining concentrated at the subcortical and basal surface regions. Abnormalities in ZO-1 expression and actin organization were reversed after a gluten-free diet. CONCLUSIONS: In active coeliac disease, ZO-1 protein expression is downregulated at the transcriptional level in association with F-actin redistribution. These changes are completely reversed after a gluten-free diet and could contribute to the increased intestinal paracellular permeability observed in this disorder.

Actins↗
PubMed1996

IL-4 enhances IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cell proliferation yet has no effect on IL-6 secretion.

Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) form an important line of defence at the intestinal mucosa by providing a barrier to lumenal contents and also by their ability to secrete various inflammatory cytokines. Recently, several T cell-derived cytokines have been shown to regulate specific IEC functions. In this study, the effect of IL-4 on IEC proliferation and secretion of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 was investigated using the non-transformed rat IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cell line. Recombinant rat (rr)IL-4 was found to enhance IEC-6 cell proliferation over 4 days of culture, and this enhancement was dose-dependent. Further studies using specific antibodies confirmed that IL-4 induced the effect and that the effect was not mediated by autocrine-produced transforming growth factor-alpha. However, IL-4 did not induce IL-6 secretion by the IEC-6 cells, nor did it alter IL-1 beta-induced IL-6 secretion. These results indicate that T cells may be capable of regulating IEC proliferation via the secretion of IL-4 without altering the capacity of the IEC to function in the inflammatory response by secreting IL-6.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Prevention of parenteral nutrition-induced gut hypoplasia by coinfusion of glucagon-like peptide-2.

Maintaining rats on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for 6 days significantly reduced mass (-34%), protein (-32%), and DNA (-35%) in small intestine and colon (29-37% decrease). Coinfusion of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) normalized each of these variables in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, but not in colon. Histological analysis of tissue revealed normal mucosa thickness and villus height in small intestine of GLP-2-treated rats, whereas nontreated rats maintained on TPN exhibited villus shortening (-30%) and thinning (-23%) of mucosa. These results suggest that hormonal alterations may be more important than an absence of luminal nutrition in TPN-associated mucosal changes. Additionally, GLP-2 normalization of gut mucosa permits accurate assessment of the influence of reversal of hypoplasia on gut barrier function.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

The gut as a lymphoepithelial organ: the role of intestinal epithelial cells in mucosal immunity.

Mucosal surfaces covered by a layer of epithelial cells represent the largest and most critical interface between the organism and its environment. The barrier function of mucosal surfaces is performed by the epithelial layer and immune cells present in the mucosal compartment. As recently found, epithelial cells, apart from their participation in absorptive, digestive and secretory processes perform more than a passive barrier function and are directly involved in immune processes. Besides the well known role of epithelial cells in the transfer of polymeric immunoglobulins produced by lamina propria B lymphocytes to the luminal content of mucosals (secretory Igs), these cells were found to perform various other immunological functions, to interact with other cells of the immune system and to induce an efficient inflammatory response to microbial invasion: enzymic processing of dietary antigens, expression of class I and II MHC antigens, presentation of antigens to lymphocytes, expression of adhesive molecules mediating interaction with intraepithelial lymphocytes and components of extracellular matrix, production of cytokines and probable participation in extrathymic T cell development of intraepithelial lymphocytes. All these functions were suggested to influence substantially the mucosal immune system and its response. Under immunopathological conditions, e.g. during infections and inflammatory bowel and celiac diseases, both epithelial cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes participate substantially in inflammatory reactions. Moreover, enterocytes could become a target of mucosal immune factors. Mucosal immunosurveillance function is of crucial importance in various pathological conditions but especially in the case of the most frequent malignity occurring in the intestinal compartment, i.e. colorectal carcinoma. Proper understanding of the differentiation processes and functions of epithelial cells in interaction with other components of the mucosal immune system is therefore highly desirable.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

In vitro and ex vivo intestinal tissue models to measure mucoadhesion of poly (methacrylate) and N-trimethylated chitosan polymers.

PURPOSE: The adhesion of a range of polymers based on poly(2-(dimethylamino-ethyl) methacrylate (pDMAEMA) was assessed using human mucus-secreting and non mucus-secreting intestinal cell monolayers, HT29-MTX-E12 (E12) and HT29 monolayers, as well as excised non-everted intestinal sacs from rats. Differentiation of mucoadhesion from bioadhesion was achieved by pre-treatment with the mucolytic agent, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Adherence of pDMAEMA polymers was compared to that obtained with the mucoadhesive, N-trimethylated chitosan (TMC). METHODS: The quantity of adherent coumarin 343-conjugated polymers to HT29, E12, and intestinal sacs was measured by fluorescence. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), light microscopy, and fluorescent microscopy were used to provide direct evidence. Measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), permeability to FITC-dextran 4000 (FD-4), and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were used to assess potential cytotoxicity of polymers. RESULTS: Adherence of unquaternized and of 10%, 24%, and 32% methyl iodide-quaternized pDMAEMA polymers was measured in E12, HT29, and sacs. All pDMAEMA polymers showed significantly higher levels of adhesion to mucus (mucoadhesion) than to epithelium (bioadhesion). Colocalization of pDMAEMA with mucus was confirmed in E12 by microscopy. TMC showed equally high levels of mucoadhesion as unquaternized and 24% quaternized pDMAEMA, but displayed higher levels of bioadhesion. pDMAEMA-based polymers demonstrated lower levels of adherence to E12 and rat sacs in the presence of NAC, whereas adherence of TMC was unchanged. pDMAEMA significantly decreased the permeability of FD-4 across E12 monolayers and sacs and was less cytotoxic in E12 than in HT29. In contrast, TMC increased the permeability of FD-4 across E12 and sacs and was less cytotoxic in E12 than in HT29. CONCLUSIONS: Human mucus-producing E12 monolayers can be used to assess polymer mucoadhesion and give similar data to isolated rat intestinal sacs. pDMAEMA displayed similar levels of mucoadhesion and lower levels of bioadhesion than a chitosan derivative and it was not cytotoxic. pDMAEMA decreased FD-4 flux in the presence of mucus, whereas TMC increased it. The combination of mucus and methacrylate polymers appears to increase barrier function of the apical membrane.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Hypertonic saline-enhanced postburn gut barrier failure is reversed by inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibition.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase to stabilize endothelial permeability and to retain hypertonic saline in the vascular space will ameliorate burn-induced gut barrier dysfunction. DESIGN: Prospective, experimental study. SETTING: Research laboratory at a university hospital. SUBJECTS: Thermal injury models in the rat. INTERVENTIONS: In experiment 1, specific pathogen free rats underwent 3% total body surface area burn or sham burn and were given 7.5 mL/kg hypertonic saline (7.5% NaCl), 7.5 mg/kg saline, or 50 mL/kg saline (nearly equal sodium load with hypertonic saline) in the right femoral vein for 15 mins for fluid resuscitation at 0, 4, or 8 hrs after burn. In experiment 2, S-methylisothiourea (7.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), a specific inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, was given immediately after burn to rats from different groups as in experiment 1. At 24 hrs after burn, the intestinal mucosa was assayed for myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation, the distribution of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran across the lumen of the small intestine was determined, and bacterial translocation to the mesenteric lymph nodes and ileum histology were also examined. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Burn induced significant increases in intestinal mucosa inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, myeloperoxidase activity, lipid peroxidation, intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, and villi sloughing in rats. Hypertonic saline administration at 0 or 4 hrs after burn worsened intestinal mucosa lipid peroxidation, neutrophil sequestration, intestinal permeability, and villi sloughing compared with those of burn + 7.5 mg/kg saline and burn + 50 mL/kg saline rats. To the contrary, burn + S-methylisothiourea rats with hypertonic saline injection at 4 or 8 hrs after burn showed an improvement of gut barrier function compared with burn + S-methylisothiourea + 7.5 mg/kg saline and burn + S-methylisothiourea + 50 mL/kg saline rats. Administration of hypertonic saline at 8 hrs after burn and S-methylisothiourea injection also significantly attenuated the bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes and villi sloughing. CONCLUSIONS: Using hypertonic saline as a resuscitation fluid in early burn shock markedly augmented the thermal injury-induced intestinal mucosa neutrophil deposition, lipid peroxidation, and intestinal hyperpermeability. Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase not only significantly attenuated neutrophil deposition and mucosa lipid peroxidation but also reversed the deteriorating effects of hypertonic saline on thermal injury-induced gut barrier dysfunction and bacterial translocation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Intestinal flora and Crohn's disease].

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) proceeds through stages of initiation, amplification and healing. Abundant clinical and experimental data incriminate luminal bacteria or bacterial products in both the initiation and perpetuation of chronic intestinal inflammation. Macrophage and T-cell activation with accompanying inflammatory cytokine production appears to be an early event. Studies of lymphocyte responsiveness to autologous and heterologous intestinal bacteria have suggested that this activation may result from a breakdown in tolerance to the enteric flora in IBD. This lack of tolerance might be due to an imbalance between protective and aggressive commensal luminal bacterial species (dysbiosis), a decreased barrier function and/or an impaired mucosal clearance allowing the access of bacteria to the mucosal immune system and lack of regulatory mediators or cells. There is still controversy over whether the virulence traits of bacteria are expressed broadly or just in a small subset of bacteria. Individual bacterial species within the indigenous flora vary in their capacity to drive intestinal inflammation. In experimental models, some bacteria such as Bacteroides vulgatus can cause colitis alone when monoassociated in the HLA-B27 transgenic rat model. Others, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species have no proinflammatory capacity and have been used as probiotics. In patients with IBD, systematic approach to this issue is hampered by the limited knowledge of intestinal flora. Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli are a possible candidate for the onset and/or persistence of intestinal inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease, since they possess all the virulence factors that allow the bacteria to cross the intestinal barrier, to move to deep tissues, and to continuously activate macrophages. The recent identification of NOD2/CARD15 as a susceptibility gene for Crohn's disease has provided another link between the immune response to enteric bacteria and the development of mucosal inflammation. NOD2/CARD15 is composed of two caspase recruitment domain (CARD), a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) and a leucin-rich-repeat (LRR) region. The LRR domain of NOD2/CARD15 has binding activity for bacterial peptidoglycans and its deletion stimulates the NF-kappaB pathway. The most frequent variants of NOD2/CARD15 observed in Crohn's disease tend to cluster in the LRR and its adjacent regions. This suggests that the LRR domain of CD-associated variants is likely to be impaired in its recognition of microbial components. Continuing studies are investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms induced by NOD2/CARD15 variants in the intestinal mucosa.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Does glutamine-enriched parenteral nutrition really affect intestinal morphology and gut permeability?

BACKGROUND: Nutritional depletion has been related to low glutamine levels in plasma and gut mucosa. This study was set up to investigate the effects of glutamine-enriched total parenteral nutrition on intestinal morphology and permeability. METHODS: Twenty-three depleted patients were randomized and after stabilization baseline measurements were performed. Plasma glutamine concentrations, gut morphology (including proliferation and lymphocyte markers) and intestinal permeability were measured. After administration during 8-10 days of a glutamine enriched total parenteral nutrition or an isonitrogenous control solution the measurements were repeated. RESULTS: No significant changes in glutamine concentrations, intestinal permeability, mucosal morphology or gut mucosal inflammation were observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Glutamine enriched total parenteral nutrition in a depleted patient population does not result in improvements in gut morphology and gut barrier function.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Characterization of furazolidone apical-related effects to human polarized intestinal cells.

In studying the effects of furazolidone (FZ) on the human intestinal Caco-2 cell line grown on microporous membrane, we have previously demonstrated a higher toxicity when the compound was administered at the apical (AP) side than at the basolateral (BL) side. Moreover, we have also shown the production, in the intact cells, of a nitroanion radical from FZ by a cytochrome c P450 reductase. The aim of the present study was to investigate which specific cell structures and functions are involved in the observed domain-related toxicity. The relevance of alterations in integrity and selective properties of the intestinal barrier as first-pass site for ingested molecules is also discussed. We have confirmed that, as expected, the Caco-2 cells are protected from FZ injury by a specific inhibitor of the cytochrome c P450 reductase, and we have shown that this protection is more active on the apical side of the cells. In sublethal conditions, FZ causes increased permeability to 3H-mannitol and, to a different extent, to 3H-inulin. Again the effect is higher when the cells are apically exposed. We have thus examined the tight junctions morphology: a disruption of the apical perijunctional actin-bound cytoskeleton was detected by rhodamine-phalloidin staining and microtubule disorganization by antitubulin fluoresceinated antibodies. Again, the effect was more evident when the cells were apically treated with FZ. Preferential transport and accumulation of the compound by active transport mechanisms could be excluded, since transport of FZ was linear and no intracellular accumulation was detected either from the AP and or the BL sides. All together these results may suggest that the AP formation of the active metabolite and its possible reactivity with SH groups of perijunctional microfilaments could be responsible of the higher FZ apical toxicity. This study shows that polarized differentiated cells are very interesting in vitro models to investigate specific cellular domains as targets of toxic effects and to detect subtle changes that may be induced, in absence of cell death, in specialized epithelial layers.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed2004

Mixed polymer micelles of amphiphilic and cationic copolymers for delivery of antisense oligonucleotides.

Cationic copolymers were synthesized by conjugation of branched 2 kDa polyethylenimine (PEI) and Pluronic block copolymers (F38, P85, P123). Compositions of these copolymers mixed with corresponding free Pluronics at weight ratio 1:9 were used to complex phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (ODN). As a result stable suspensions of small micelle-like particles (<220 nm) were obtained. Incorporation of ODN in these formulations increased uptake of ODN in KBv cells and increased sequence specific activity of antisense ODN targeted against MDR gene in multidrug resistant cells resulting in inhibition of the functional activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in these cells. Furthermore, these formulations increased transport of ODN across model intestinal barrier, Caco-2 cell monolayers, suggesting that they could be useful for oral delivery of biologically active ODN.

Caco-2 Cells↗
PubMed1999

Modulation of distal colonic epithelial barrier function by dietary fibre in normal rats.

BACKGROUND: Dietary fibre influences the turnover and differentiation of the colonic epithelium, but its effects on barrier function are unknown. AIMS: To determine whether altering the type and amount of fibre in the diet affects paracellular permeability of intestinal epithelium, and to identify the mechanisms of action. METHODS: Rats were fed isoenergetic low fibre diets with or without supplements of wheat bran (10%) or methylcellulose (10%), for four weeks. Paracellular permeability was determined by measurement of conductance and 51Cr-EDTA flux across tissue mounted in Ussing chambers. Faecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were assessed by gas chromatography, epithelial kinetics stathmokinetically, and mucosal brush border hydrolase activities spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Body weight was similar across the dietary groups. Conductance and 51Cr-EDTA flux were approximately 25% higher in animals fed no fibre, compared with those fed wheat bran or methylcellulose in the distal colon, but not in the caecum or jejunum. Histologically, there was no evidence of epithelial injury or erosion associated with any diet. The fibres exerted different spectra of effects on luminal SCFA concentrations and pH, and on mucosal indexes, but both bulked the faeces, were trophic to the epithelium, and stimulated expression of a marker of epithelial differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Both a fermentable and a non-fermentable fibre reduce paracellular permeability specifically in the distal colon, possibly by promoting epithelial cell differentiation. The mechanisms by which the two fibres exert their effects are likely to be different.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

P-glycoprotein: a defense mechanism limiting oral bioavailability and CNS accumulation of drugs.

Transport by ATP-dependent efflux pumps such as P-glycoprotein is an increasingly recognized determinant of drug disposition. P-glycoprotein does not only contribute to multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumor cells, it is also expressed in normal tissues with excretory function such as liver, kidney and intestine. Apical expression of P-glycoprotein in such tissues results in reduced drug absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and enhanced drug elimination into bile and urine. Moreover, expression of P-glycoprotein in the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier prevents entry of certain drugs into the central nervous system. Human P-glycoprotein has been shown to transport a wide range of structurally unrelated drugs such as digoxin, quinidine, cyclosporine and HIV-1 protease inhibitors. Drug administration to P-glycoprotein knock-out and control mice provided data on the importance of P-glycoprotein for absorption after oral administration and penetration through the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, P-glycoprotein knock-out mice were used to identify inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated transport as a mechanism for drug interactions such as the digoxin-quinidine interaction. Studies in humans indicate a particular importance of intestinal P-glycoprotein for bioavailability of the immunosuppressant cyclosporine. Moreover, induction of intestinal P-glycoprotein by rifampin has now been identified as the major underlying mechanism of reduced digoxin plasma concentrations during concomitant rifampin therapy. In summary, P-glycoprotein functions as a defense mechanism, which determines bioavailability and CNS concentrations of drugs. Modification of P-glycoprotein function is an important underlying mechanism of drug interactions in humans. However, disposition of a drug and its metabolites frequently is not only determined by P-glycoprotein, but also by drug-metabolizing enzymes and possibly by drug transporters other than P-glycoprotein [e.g. members of the MRP family (MRP = multidrug resistance-associated proteins)].

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed2006

Blastocystis ratti induces contact-independent apoptosis, F-actin rearrangement, and barrier function disruption in IEC-6 cells.

Blastocystis is an enteric protozoan purportedly associated with numerous clinical cases of diarrhea, flatulence, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Despite new knowledge of Blastocystis cell biology, genetic diversity, and epidemiology, its pathogenic potential remains controversial. Numerous clinical and epidemiological studies either implicate or exonerate the parasite as a cause of intestinal disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis by studying the interactions of Blastocystis ratti WR1, an isolate of zoonotic potential, with a nontransformed rat intestinal epithelial cell line, IEC-6. Here, we report that B. ratti WR1 induces apoptosis in IEC-6 cells in a contact-independent manner. Furthermore, we found that B. ratti WR1 rearranges F-actin distribution, decreases transepithelial resistance, and increases epithelial permeability in IEC-6 cell monolayers. In addition, we found that the effects of B. ratti on transepithelial electrical resistance and epithelial permeability were significantly abrogated by treatment with metronidazole, an antiprotozoal drug. Our results suggest for the first time that Blastocystis-induced apoptosis in host cells and altered epithelial barrier function might play an important role in the pathogenesis of Blastocystis infections and that metronidazole has therapeutic potential in alleviating symptoms associated with Blastocystis.

Actins↗
PubMed1994

Reversible disassembly of an intestinal epithelial monolayer by prolonged exposure to phorbol ester.

This article describes a model of reversible disassembly of a cultured human intestinal epithelial monolayer by prolonged exposure to the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). Prolonged phorbol ester exposure reduces protein kinase C (PKC) levels in numerous cell types including T84, as shown here. Under PKC-downregulated conditions, T84 monolayers, which simulate the highly organized structure of native intestinal crypt cells, become disassembled into 2 or 3 layers of rounded cells. Proliferation does not account for these morphological changes as assessed by thymidine incorporation studies. The effects of structural disorganization on epithelial barrier function was also examined. The permeability of disassembled monolayers was significantly greater than that of controls. Flux studies localized the permeability defect to the tight junction. PKC-associated alterations in the perijunctional ring of actin and myosin, one of the putative regulators of flow across the tight junction, were found to correlate with the observed functional changes. Most interesting was the fact that monolayer reassembly to the original columnar epithelial phenotype and reestablishment of barrier function occurred upon normalization of PKC levels. This model of reversible monolayer disassembly will allow investigation into the relationship between epithelial structure and function and examination of factors that govern monolayer formation.

Actins↗
PubMed1989

Immunologic structures and functions of the gut.

The intestine is richly populated with lymphoid tissue capable of initiating and effecting a wide variety of immunologic reactions. These reactions have consequences not only for the gut itself but for the body in general, and have established the importance of the gut as an immunologic organ. Among the outer and inner surfaces of our body, the 200 to 300 m2 of the gut contrast with the 2 m2 of the skin, and the 80 m2 of the lung. At the inner surface of the intestine, our organism contacts intimately bacteria, parasites, enzymes, toxins, a wide variety of dietary substances and their breakdown products. The essential barrier against the permanent antigenic burden is the mucosa. Its integrity depends on the continual replication, maturation, and metabolism of its constituents. Additional defense functions are exerted by the mucus, lysozyme, phagocytes, other cells, humoral factors and biological response modifiers involved in inflammatory and immune reactions. Some of these factors are being produced very close to the surface at which they act. The sum of the mechanical, humoral, cellular, immunologic and non-immunologic defense factors of the intestinal mucosa constitutes the mucosal block. However, the block is not complete. Rather, a continuous antigenic uptake through the epithelial layer takes place. The specialized structures of Peyer's patches, solitary lymph follicles, appendix vermiformis and their associated epithelium allow a controlled antigen uptake (sampling). Because of the heavy antigenic load, the intestine can be described as the most important immunologic contact organ of our body. The antigens may give rise to local and systemic immune reactions with antibody production, or the suppression of systemic immunologic responses to ingested antigens ("oral tolerance").

Animals↗