Lower regulating systems
Inter-cellular communication takes place by molecular interplay between cells and its immediate surroundings. The homeostasis on a cellular level is precondition of overall regulation. It is the cell and extracellular matrix which drives the whole process. Extracellular Matrix bio regulates any imbalance by initiating neuro vegetative, endocrine and immune biofeedback in order to increase movement of the side products of the metabolism to the lymphatic system. Inflammation is a response to excessive accumulation and slow elimination. Microorgansims, which may be dormant, proliferate in decreasing pH, caused by free radicals and stagnant metabolites. Bioregulation in disease fails because of refractory fatigue or adaptation of the nervous system. Electrical stimuli and oxidative radicals initiate nerve impulse, and information travels along its segmental or visceral afferent pathway. In disease the nervous system stops reacting to received stimuli. Alexander Flemming said that microorgansims are not the real cause of infectious diseases but they host the milieu, which provides the needed conditions for microbes to multiply.
Cell
The cell has a flexible and fluid structure. Cellular membrane is made up of soft lipid molecules and the Cytoplasm is built mainly of water (85%), with dissolved molecules, reinforced by protein filaments, which stabilise organelles, and facilitate the necessary movement. The cell receives its needed compounds by simple osmosis along its gradient (water), diffusion along its concentrating gradient (gases, fatty acids, steroids, fat soluble vitamins, glycerol, ammonia), diffusion down the electrochemical gradient (K, Cl, Na, Ca), facilitated diffusion by transport proteins (glucose, fructose, some vitamins), active transport against a concentration gradient (charged ions, Na pump) and transport in vesicles (pinocytosis, exocytosis, receptor mediated endocytosis).
Cell membrane
Cellular membrane is built of two layers of phospholipids (75%) with interspersed molecules of cholesterol (20%) and glycolipids (5%). Their hydrophobic parts make an inner layer of membrane, which makes it resistant to the transfer of water and water-soluble molecules. Additional integral protein molecules are also part of the membrane. Peripheral proteins are only attached to polar phospholipids heads, while transmembrane proteins protrude through the entire membrane wall. Protein molecules form ion channels allowing ions to diffuse in and out of the cells, while others transport various molecules, like amino acids, with a loose attachment while passing through the cell wall. Receptors are those proteins which are activated by a specific molecule or ligand. Some of these proteins are enzymes which trigger cascade chemical reactions either outside or inside the cell. Some glycoproteins and glycolipids protrude into extracellular space or the Matrix. Their oligosaccharides side are made up of 2 to 60 long chains, which cover cells from the outside - glycocalyx. Glycocalyx has the ability to adhere a layer of water molecules by capillary pressure and its arrangement is also a molecular signature, which is part of cellular identity markers such as MHC (major histocompability complex I and II), blood ABO, all relevant in immune tolerance. The filamentous and tubular structure of a cytoskeleton transmits information to the relevant cellular organelles. In that way glycocalyx acts as a linchpin between the matrisome in the matrix and the intracellular function.
Intercellular Space – Matrix
The Matrisome is a basic organisation of the Matrix. The units are made up of predominantly sugar (80%) complexes - Proteoglycans (PG) and Glycosaminoglycans (GAG), linked by protein. The ground substance of the matrix is Hyalorunic acid, Chondroitine / Dermatane sulphate, Keratine sulphate, Heparin sulphate and (PG) Decorin, Fibromodulin. The matrix is stabilised by structural proteins (Collagen and Elastin) and cross-linking glycoproteins (fibronectin, laminin, thrombospondin and lectins). Cross-linking proteins keep a stretchy cellular structure anchored within the matrix. It blends with the cytoskeleton through the cell membrane.
Within the intercellular space or the matrix there are tunnels 100nm wide, made up of polymer sugars, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. The tunnels are capable of fast transfer. Liposoluble molecules (proteins, hormones, cytokines, drugs) travel inside the tunnels while water soluble substances are transported on the outside. The transport of substances are determined by their concentration gradient and difference of electrical potentials across the membrane(s). The whole process also depends on the affinity to binding with transport protein molecules, acid-alkaline balance, hydration level and tissue micro (ionic) currents. Matrix polymer sugars are electro negative and adept at quick homeostasis since they exchange water and ions. They can hold and release inflammatory cytokines. Enzymes derive from granulocytes and fibroblasts and pass through the matrix. Ground substances can modulate hormonal and inflammatory responses. Thyroxin can increase Hyalorunic acid (HA) and levels above 0.1 mg/ml cause anti inflammation and cartilage growth. On the other hand, HA is increased in trauma and binds water making cartilage prone to oedema and wearing.
The hyperboloid organisation is determined by laws of quantum physics as energy transfers prompt chemical reaction according to the principle of "energetically minimal surfaces".