Function of gut mucosal barrier: methodology and modulation.

Function of gut mucosal barrier: methodology and modulation Right function of the intestinal barrier is essential for maintaining the homeostasis of the inner environment and it serves as a mechanical barrier against penetration of macromolecular compounds and microbes from outer environment. Impaired gut mucosa cannot effectively protect from invasion of infectious microorganisms, antigens from food, bacteria, viruses and xenobiotics into the subepithelial gut layer. Excessive interaction among the immune system and antigens from intestinal lumen can lead to immune mediated damage of the organism. Damaged intestinal barrier plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to define methods for measuring intestinal permeability, which would reflect the gut barrier damage. We were trying to detect the gut damage caused by indomethacin (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), alcohol and bacterial LPS by measuring the intestinal permeability for 4,4 kDa FITC-dextran. We were also evaluating changes in gene expression of tight junction proteins, IL-6 and iNOS in mice after intraperitoneal administration of LPS, which induces septic shock. Another goal was to..