Antioxidant protection: a function of tracheobronchial and gastrointestinal mucus.
It is proposed that one of the functions of the mucus layers lining the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal system is the scavenging of highly reactive oxygen-derived species. This would provide antioxidant protection to the underlying mucosal epithelial cells.
D001980:Bronchi / Q000378:metabolism*; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism*; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism; D006878:Hydroxides / Q000378:metabolism; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D009093:Mucus / Q000378:metabolism*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism*; D013481:Superoxides / Q000378:metabolism; D014132:Trachea / Q000378:metabolism*
D005609:Free Radicals; D006878:Hydroxides; D013481:Superoxides; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D010100:Oxygen