Gastrointestinal tract, immunological

Ajuebor, M.N. and Swain, M.G. (2002) Role of chemokines and chemokine receptors in the gastrointestinal tract Immunology, 105, 7-43. 

Zogaj, X., Bokranz, W., Nimtz, M. and Romling, U. (2003) Production of cellulose and curli fimbriae by members of the family Enterobacteriaceae isolated from the human gastrointestinal tract. Infection Immunology 71,4151-41 58. 

A common misconception is that lactose malabsorption and lactose intolerance symptoms are caused by an allergy to milk or other dairy products. Milk allergy is an immunologi-cally mediated reaction to milk proteins that may involve single systems (e.g., the gastrointestinal tract, skin, respiratory tract) or multiple... 

The neonate lacks the ability to mount a full immunological response, accordingly maternal IgG is transported across the placenta late in pregnancy and is also absorbed across the gastrointestinal tract from breast milk. Maternal IgA secreted into breast milk will also provide mucosal protection for the neonate. 

We can look on the one hand on these components as to possible toxic effects. Beside the direct and indirect (effects on hematopoiesis) immune effects, we need to consider the effects on the barriers. Other chapters of this book handle these, but we should be aware that one of the most critical ones, the barrier of the gastrointestinal tract, is very little studied. The human gut contains about 1-2 kg bacteria, and their possible translocation is a permanent immunological threat. 

Hansson GC (1988) Structural aspects of blood group glycosphingolipids in the gastrointestinal tract. In Wu AM (ed) The molecular immunology of complex carbohydrates. Plenum, New York, p 465... 

Histamine plays a central role in immunologic and anti-inflammatory responses, particularly in the immediate hypersensitivity response. Three subclasses of histamine receptors have been identified Hj, Hj, and Hj receptors. Hj receptors are involved in mediating increased vascular permeability, pruritus, coutraction of smooth muscle in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, release of mediators of inflammation, and recruitment of inflammatory cells. Among other effects, Hj receptors mediate the negative feedback control of histamine synthesis and release and may play some defensive role against excess bronchoconstriction. H, and Hj receptors are both found primarily in bronchial smooth muscle in the human respiratory tract (40). 

A substance similar to glucagon is also secreted by the gastrointestinal tract. It has immunological and biological properties related to those of glucagon, but it is probably not identical. It is assumed to be secreted by the argyrophilic cells of the intestine. 

RECOMMENDATION Assessment of clinical endpoints should include signs or adverse laboratory indicators of the major organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, blood, and immunological and endocrinological systems. 

Ogra, S.S., Weintraub, D., and Ogra, P.L. (1 77). Immunologic aspects of human colostrum and milk. 3. Fate and absorption of cellular and soluble components in the gastrointestinal tract of the newborn. J. Immunol. 119 245-248. 

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