HTHSCI 3I03 Chapter Notes -Classical Complement Pathway, Immunoglobulin M, Bile Acid

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: HTHSCI 3I03
• Professor: Jonathan Bramson

Document Summary

Two intrinsic barriers that could prevent the pathogen from causing infection in the gi tract would be both physical and chemical barriers. When entering the gi tract through ingestion, the epithelia of the gastrointestinal tract provide a physical barrier that separates the internal milieu from foreign pathogens. The epithelia contain tight junctions that would prevent v. cholera from penetrating between the epithelial cells along the gi tract. As well the epithelia release mucus, a thick fluid that contains mucins (glycoprotein) that would trap the cholera pathogen and prevent it from adhering to the gi lining. Another barrier of the gi tract is the chemical substances released that inhibit the growth of pathogens. The upper gi tract releases bile salts, lysolipids, fatty acids and digestive enzymes that all create a difficult environment for pathogens to grow.