Tight Junction slide show MUIH

1. Tight Junctions

2. Tight Junctions
• The area of two adjacent epithelial cells where the fusion
of plasma membranes occur
• The close association of cells creates an impermeable
sheet, preventing the passage of substances through the
space between the two cells (Barrier function) and keeps
the cell properly ionized
• Consist of a protein network that determines the job of
each cell and assists in the fusion of membranes

3. Above is a depiction of three different membrane junctions from:
By Boumphreyfr - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7135712
Click the link above to see image of a tight junction

4. Tight junctions prevent ions from traveling along the space
between the cells. The junction forces ions to travel directly into
the cell through the process of diffusion or active transport.
These tight junctions have more control over what enters the
cells.

5. Tight junctions occur in epithelial tissue and can be found in the body
wherever epithelial tissue is found. They can occur in the digestive tract,
the skin, blood vessels, and all other organs in the body. Tight junctions
are responsible for binding the capillaries together that create the blood-
brain barrier.
Consider if the tight junction does not work properly…
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6. Leaky Gut
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the tight junctions
in the small intestine are not working properly. The junctions are allowing
digestive material into the bloodstream. Symptoms can include bloating, gas,
and changes in bowel movements. Research is ongoing to discover what part
leaky gut plays in a host of chronic conditions and symptoms.
When material leaked from the intestines is released into the body via the bloodstream, it can set off an autoimmune
response. Knowing a patient’s symptoms, more information about tight junctions and where they occur, and keeping up
on research will help to make sound conclusions regarding an integrated health care plan.

7. References:
http://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-
spirit/gastrointestinal/what-is-leaky-gut/
http://www.biology-pages.info/J/Junctions.html