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Gastrointestinal uptake of macromolecules
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada.
Zhonghua Minguo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi [Journal]. Zhonghua Minguo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Intact dietary proteins can be actively transported across the gastrointestinal lining. This process in the intestine is regulated by the nervous system and requires energy, impacting allergic reactions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Most dietary proteins are digested, but small amounts can cross the gastrointestinal mucosa intact.
- Exposure to intact food allergens can trigger anaphylactoid reactions in allergic individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the uptake mechanism of immunologically intact proteins across the gastrointestinal epithelium.
- To quantify the mucosal to serosal movement of bovine serum albumin (BSA).
Main Methods:
- Utilized stripped gastric and intestinal mucosa mounted in modified Ussing-type chambers.
- Measured the transmucosal movement of bovine serum albumin (BSA).
Main Results:
- Both gastric and intestinal mucosa actively transport intact dietary proteins.
- Intestinal transport is a saturable, energy-dependent process involving the microtubular network and enteric nervous system.
- Gastric mucosal transport is also energy-dependent and relies on the microtubular network.
Conclusions:
- The gastrointestinal epithelium actively transports intact dietary proteins.
- This active transport mechanism is crucial for understanding protein uptake and potential allergic responses.