The impact of asthma on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)

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Authors: Warren Antonio Vieira, Etheresia Pretorius

Published Date September 2010 Volume 2010:3 Pages 123 - 130

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S10592

Warren Antonio Vieira, Etheresia Pretorius
Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract: The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of vertebrates is composed of several distinct ­compartments and glands as well as an extensive mucosal surface. Its primary function is that of chemical and physical digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients; however, due to its continual antigen exposure, the GIT also has an important defensive immunological function. The GIT’s immunological participation is facilitated by the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues, thought to share the mucosal immunological system with the respiratory mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues. As a result of this shared mucosal immunity, it has been hypothesized that bronchial asthma may be able to affect the body’s GIT in the same pathophysiological manner as the airways and lungs. Here we discuss the link between bronchial asthma and ­pathophysiological features in the GIT – including leukocyte influx, goblet cell alterations, fibrosis, and epithelial and villous atrophy.
Keywords: fundus, pylorus, common mucosal system, asthma, gastrointestinal tract