title: Antioxidant protection: a function of tracheobronchial and gastrointestinal mucus.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D006878:Hydroxides; D013481:Superoxides; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D010100:Oxygen