TOX 4100 Lecture Notes - Gastrointestinal Tract, Stratified Squamous Epithelium, Trichothecene
13 Apr 2013
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Document Summary
Some of the major functions of the alimentary tract include digestion, absorption, elimination, and defence. Characteristic of the upper alimentary tract is a stratified squamous epithelium (flattened epithelial cells) variable in terms of thickness and permeability. A chaotropic agent denatures macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Some notable agents that can affect the alimentary tract include acids, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, heavy metals (lead, mercury, etc. Trichothecene mycotoxins (a toxic secondary metabolite produced by the organisms of the fungi kingdom like molds) are powerful inhibitors of protein synthesis. This is done by interaction with the ribosomes structures within the cell responsible for protein synthesis. These mycotoxins can cause rapid irritation to the skin or the intestinal mucosa upon contact. They can cause lesions in the digestive tract. T-2 toxin is known as the most toxic trichothecene. T-2 toxins have the capability to inhibit eukaryotic protein synthesis as well as induce apoptosis.
