MORPHOLOGICAL BASIS OF THE COLONIC BARRIER FUNCTION IN CHRONIC CARBON MONOXIDE INTOXICATION

Abstract

This study examines the morphological basis of the colonic barrier function under conditions of chronic carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. Special attention was paid to structural alterations in the epithelial layer, intercellular junctions, basement membrane, lamina propria, and microcirculatory bed. Histological analysis revealed epithelial desquamation, reduction in goblet cell number, disruption of crypt architecture, edema of the lamina propria, vascular congestion, and inflammatory infiltration. Degenerative changes in enterocytes and damage to intercellular contacts indicate increased epithelial permeability. These structural disturbances lead to impairment of the mucosal barrier and reduced protective function of the colon. The findings demonstrate that chronic CO exposure causes complex morphological remodeling of the colonic wall, which underlies the development of barrier dysfunction.