DeWitt RC, Kudsk KA. The gut's role in metabolism, mucosal barrier function, and gut immunology.
Infect Dis Clin North Am 1999;
13:465-81, x. [PMID:
10340178 DOI:
10.1016/s0891-5520(05)70086-6]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract functions not only to absorb nutrients, it also plays an important immunologic role during health and critical illness. Under experimental and certain clinical conditions, stimulating the gut attentuates the stress response and avoids mucosal atrophy and increases permeability. Gut stimulation prevents atrophy of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, the body's major defender of moist mucosal surfaces. A better understanding of gut function and improved nutrient delivery has clinical implications in the treatment of critically ill patients.
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