CRC TOXIC GASTRO TRACT PDF

Preface

Toxicology of the Gastrointestinal Tract focuses on the specifics of the toxicology of the gastrointestinal tract — on adverse effects of xenobiotic agents and pharmaceuticals on the structure and function of the tract. Starting with an overview of basic aspects of structure and function, the chapters proceed to take focused looks at specific issues. This book is also concerned with a critical appraisal of what we have come to know about the interactions of chemicals and drugs with this critical organ system and the experimental methods and attempts to identify those regions of research that should prove productive for our future efforts.

Within these two broad objectives, the volume focuses on a number of specific areas of intestinal research. These areas reflect the increasing awareness and documentation of the multiple roles of the multiple components of the GI tract, starting with its well recognized and major roles of nutrient absorption and service as a protective barrier. In addition, emphasis is given to the expanding body of knowledge that relates to the intestines as major metabolic and immunologic organs involved in the synthesis and degradation of both natural and foreign substances. A further dimension is the inclusion of focused overviews of the function and dysfunction of human absorptive processes and the effects on these processes of microbial flora and specific classes of toxicants that target the GI tract.