PROBLEMS AND PROGRESS IN THE STUDY OF ORAL TOXICITY OF BACTERIAL TOXINS
Abstract
Food poisoning is caused by the consumption of harmful chemical products produced by the growth of bacteria. Absorption from the intestine into the blood stream takes place by way of the lymphatic system draining the intestine. Evidence was presented for the concept that even the normal intestine presents no absolute barrier to systemic absorption of protein by way of the lymphatics. The high potency of bacterial toxins accounts for their oral toxicity. Only fantastically small amounts of toxins need escape digestion and be absorbed in order for them to still remain poisonous upon consumption and exposure to digestive juices. A hypothesis was presented that relates food poisoning by bacterial toxins to accidental circumstances of contact with these poisons rather than any unusual chemical properties that permit them to escape the vicissitudes normal to proteins in the gut.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0286060
Entities
People
- Carl Lamanna
Organizations
- Army Research Office