Gastrointestinal immunity

Sullivan, D.A., Vaermanj, J.-P, and Soo, C. 1993. Influence of severe protein malnutrition on rat lacrimal, salivary and gastrointestinal immune expression during development, adulthood and ageing. Immunology 78(2) 308-317. 

Barrier function is also supported by the gastrointestinal immune system much of the epithelium is bathed in immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is secreted from sub-epithelial plasma cells and transcytosed across the epithelium into the lumen. IgA provides an antigenic barrier by binding bacteria and other antigens, although this barrier function is specific for particular antigens and requires previous exposure for development of the response. 

Highest concentrations of MOPs are found in the thalamus, caudate, neocortex in the brain, but the receptors are also present in gastrointestinal tract, immune cells, and other peripheral tissues. 

High concentrations of KOP have been found in the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus KOP is also present in the gastrointestinal tract, in immune cells as well as in other peripheral tissues. KOPs have been implicated in the regulation of nociception, diuresis, feeding, neuroendocrine and immune system functions [2]. 

Humoral antibodies of the IgG elass are able to eross the placenta flxm mother to fetus. These antibodies will provide passive proteetion of the new-born against those diseases which involve humoral immunity and to which the mother is immune. In this fashion, new-born infants in the UK have passive proteetion against tetanus but not against tuberculosis which requires cell-mediated immunity. Seeretory antibodies are also passed to the new-born together with the first deliveries of breast milk (colostrum). Such antibodies provide some passive protection against infections of the gastrointestinal tract. 

The above scientific information on rice bran phytochemicals indicates that a multitude of mechanisms are operating at the cellular level to bring about specific health effects. Several health benefits of rice bran appear to be the result of the synergistic function of the many phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which operates through a specific immune response. Their role in the biochemical mechanisms at the cellular level which result in major health effects is shown in Fig. 17.1. A short overview summarizing the effect of the various phytochemicals on major health issues such as cancer, immune function, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, altered liver function and gastrointestinal and colon disease will be given below. 

Yamashita reported anti-inflammatory effect of astaxanthin when administered with aspirin. An oral preparation has been developed by Alejung and Wadstroem for the treatment of Helicobacter infections of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. Strong evidence suggested that astaxanthin modulated the humoral and non-humoral immune systems. It enhanced the release of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-... 

ATC, lymphocyte immune globulin, antithymoglobulin equine AZA, azathioprine BUN, blood urea nitrogen CSA, cyclosporine Cl, gastrointestinal IL-2RA, interleukin 2 receptor antagonist MMF, mycophenalate mofetil OKT-3, muronomonab-CD3 PRED, prednisone SCr, serum creatinine SRL, sirolimus TAC, tacrolimus WBC, white blood cell. 

The circulatory system carries out many important functions that contribute to homeostasis. It obtains oxygen from the lungs nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract and hormones from the endocrine glands and it delivers these substances to the tissues that need them. Furthermore, it removes metabolic waste products, such as carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and urea, from the tissues. Finally, it contributes to the actions of the immune system by transporting antibodies and leukocytes to areas of infection. Overall, the circulatory system plays a vital role in maintenance of optimal conditions for cell and tissue function. 

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