[Relationship between the epithelium and the stroma of the small-intestinal mucosa during antigenic stimulation].

The state of cells and intercellular structures, as well as the pattern of interaction between the epithelium and the stroma of the small intestine mucosa following their exposure to microbic toxins were studied in experiments on rabbits using histological, histochemical and immunofluorescent methods. It was established that the immuno-barrier function of the intestine was implemented by the brush border, epithelial cells, their basal membrane, fibres and cells of lamina propia of the mucosa. Damage of the epithelial lining of the mucosa was accompanied by intensification of immunological processes in its stroma, which in the preliminary immunized animals contributed to an increase in the resistance of the epithelial lining to damaging factors of the lumen of the intestine. The lymphoid infiltration of the epithelium of the intestine mucosa represented a manifestation of immunological processes constantly proceeding therein. The epithelial basal membrane which fixed on its surface immunoglobulins coming from lamina propia, retained antigens passing through it from the lumen of the intestine into the thickness of the mucosa's stroma.