Overview of gastrointestinal toxicology.
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.
University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
Gabriella
G
Coruzzi
D000818:Animals; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology