14. How The Gut Protects Itself Flashcards
1
Q
What are some things that are damaging to the gut?
A
Acid/pepsin
Ingested drugs
Refluxed bile
Smoking
Microorganisms
Ischaemia
Food allergens
2
Q
What are some things that are protective in the gut?
A
Mucus/HCO3
Cell membrane
Cell migration and renewal
Mucosal blood flow
Prostaglandins
Immune system
Acid inhibition
Apoptosis
3
Q
How does the stomach protect itself from acid and proteolytic breakdown?
A
Secretion of mucus that traps water and bicarbonate - diffusion barrier for acid
Physical barrier over proteolytic attack
Cell surface has a diff phospholipid bilayer
Tight junctions between cells - slows acid diffusion - if they do diffuse then blood takes it away to help antioxidant function