Gastrointestinal tract immune functions

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]. 

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. 

The selectivity of oral exposure for suppressing humoral rather than cell-mediated immune function is the opposite of what was observed after dermal exposure to JP-8. Because JP-8 is irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and because the oral route is not considered to be relevant to routine occupational exposures, those data were not considered relevant to the subcommittee s charge. 

Can lactic acid bacteria (LAB) exopolysaccharides (EPSs) play a role in improving gastrointestinal health More specifically, can the EPSs serve another role by interacting with the human immune system or even the human microbiome itself More recent gains in knowledge of the mechanisms by which EPS interacts with the intestinal tract, the microbiome and immune function seem to present an additional nutritional role that is offered by fermented dairy products. 

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