Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 16, 2025
05:14
Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity in Mice Using Fluorescein-Isothiocyanate-Labeled Dextran
Published on: November 18, 2022
11.2K
Probiotic bacteria and intestinal epithelial barrier function
Christina L Ohland1, Wallace K Macnaughton
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Univ. of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1.
Summary
Probiotics, live beneficial bacteria, enhance intestinal barrier function to prevent infection and inflammation. This review examines how probiotics support gut health and immune defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The intestinal tract harbors a complex microbiome, separated from immune cells by a single epithelial layer.
- Epithelial barrier function, including mucus and tight junctions, is crucial for preventing gut infection and inflammation.
- Probiotics are live microorganisms conferring health benefits, potentially aiding in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence on probiotic effects on intestinal barrier function.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which probiotics modulate the gut barrier and immune system.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating probiotics and intestinal barrier function.
- Analysis of mechanisms including barrier enhancement, immunomodulation, and microbial adherence.
Main Results:
- Probiotics demonstrate potential in enhancing epithelial barrier integrity.
- Mechanisms involve strengthening tight junctions and modulating immune responses.
- Competitive adherence and mucus layer modulation are key probiotic actions.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics offer a promising strategy for supporting intestinal barrier function.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand probiotic mechanisms in gut health and disease prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health
677
The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...
677
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
1.4K
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
1.4K
01:25Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach
1.8K
The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
1.8K
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
8.9K
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
8.9K
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
3.0K
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
3.0K
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
2.4K
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
2.4K