Abstract

Leukocyte-Mediated Intestinal Defenses

Non-immunologic Intestinal Defense

Conclusions

References

Discussion
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Active anion secretion protects the mucosa of the small intestine from infection by diluting and purging luminal antigens and enhancing the luminal extrusion of mucin, defensin peptides and other anti-infective substances. Histamine, substance P and other pro-inflammatory mediators, acting directly on enterocytes or indirectly through enteric neurons, evoke anion secretion in the small intestine. Several classes of analgesic/anesthetic drugs that are also subject to extensive human abuse, such as opioids, cannabinoids and cocaine, are known to decrease host resistance to systemic infections. However, their specific actions on intestinal host defense processes have not been fully elucidated. We will review evidence from the literature and our own research investigations arguing that these substances, through actions mediated largely through enteric neurons, can compromise the intestinal secretory defense mechanism.

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Presentation Number SAbrown0856
Keywords: opioid, cannabinoid, catecholamine, histamine, host defense