Overview of gastrointestinal toxicology.

Overview of gastrointestinal toxicology. Curr Protoc Toxicol. 2010 Feb;Chapter 21:Unit 21.1 Authors: Coruzzi G Abstract The gastrointestinal (GI) tract has the unique feature of having a huge area for exposure to potentially harmful agents, including concentrated acid, food, chemicals, and pathogens. Research over the past decades has identified some of the key events that are involved in mucosal damage and defense. The enteric nervous system, immune system, and a variety of endocrine and paracrine mediators act in concert to endure mucosal barrier integrity and gut homeostasis. Disruptors of mucosal defense mechanisms include drugs, food allergens and contaminants, metals, chemicals, radiation, and pathogens. A variety of animal experimental models have been set up to detect possible deleterious effects to the GI tract and the potential risk in humans. PMID: 20967743 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Source: Current Protocols in Toxicology - Category: Toxicology Tags: Curr Protoc Toxicol Source Type: research