Toxicology of the Gastrointestinal Tract focuses on the specifics of the mechanisms and adverse effects of xenobiotic agents and pharmaceuticals on the structure and function of the GI tract. The book focuses on a number of specific areas of intestinal research. Beginning with the well-recognized and major functions of nutrient absorption and its role as a protective barrier, the text elaborates on the expanding body of knowledge that relates to the intestines as a major metabolic and immunologic organ involved in the synthesis and degradation of both natural and foreign substances. It includes an overview of the function and dysfunction of the human absorptive process and the effects of microbial flora on these processes, as well as specific classes of toxicants that target the GI tract. The international panel of contributors presents a critical appraisal of the interactions of chemicals and drugs with the gastrointestinal system and the experimental methods and regions of research on which to focus future efforts.
Topics:
• normal structure and function of the GI tract in nutrient absorption
• the GI tract as a regulatory mechanism of control, protective barrier, and major metabolic and immunologic organ
• toxicants that target the GI tract and interactions of chemicals and drugs with the GI tract
• using animal models to understand adverse effects of agents on the GI tract and other organ systems
• pharmacology, histopathology, and complications and susceptibilities arising from specific disease states
• function and dysfunction of the human absorptive process and effects of microbial flora on these processes
• experimental methods and research
