Handbook Of Methods In Gastrointestinal Pharmacology

Gastroenterology has advanced through the development and application of increasingly sophisticated methods to measure changes in gastrointestinal function. Handbook of Methods in Gastrointestinal Pharmacology brings together details on commonly employed approaches in investigative gastroenterology. The book provides comprehensive coverage of methods and techniques used to investigate the mechanism of action of drugs on the GI tract. An integral part of each chapter is the discussion of development of techniques based upon physiologic mechanisms and principles in pharmacology. In vivo and in situ techniques involving whole animals, isolated tissue methodology, the use of single cell systems, and molecular biology approaches are covered. Illustrations provide a clear understanding of methodologies discussed. Emphasis is placed on advantages and disadvantages of each technique in answering specific research questions. Chapters are written by experts experienced in the techniques they discuss; many pioneered one or more widely used methods. The wide variety of topics included make the Handbook of Methods in Gastrointestinal Pharmacology useful to established investigators, research fellows, and graduate students. Additionally, reviewers of grants and manuscripts can use it to clarify questions that arise regarding appropriate use of a technique in a particular setting.

This volume aims to connect current ideas and concepts about GI disorders with the search for novel therapeutics. Towards this goal, authors provide a timely state-of-the-art overview of the GI tract in health and disease, current treatment approaches and ongoing developments in drug discovery, and their potential for the better treatment of patients with GI disorders.

"This practical guide to all aspects of gastrointestinal nursing covers the treatment of a wide range of patients - from those suffering from minor and acute disorders, through chronic conditions, to those requiring major surgery and treatment for malignant disease. It summarizes the current state of knowledge in gastrointestinal nursing and provides concise, user-friendly guidelines on the management and treatment of patients with gastrointestinal disorders." "Written by practising nurses and subject experts, and incorporating their years of experience, the Oxford Handbook of Gastrointestinal Nursing is a unique and invaluable companion for practising nurses, and for all health care professionals who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal disorders."--BOOK JACKET.

The Manual of Immunological Methods represents the collaboration of the Canadian Network of Toxicology Centers, a non-profit network of university-based scientists dedicated to research, training, risk assessment, and communication. This manual provides detailed immunological methods that can be utilized by researchers or practitioners who want to enhance the successful application of this science. It emphasizes the need for continuously improving the quality of experiments performed and maintaining consistency in the results obtained. The Manual of Immunological Methods presents validated assays that are accompanied by a series of tools that will guide readers in performing their own laboratory work in the spirit of the Good Laboratory Practices. It covers specific methodologies including sample collection, preparation of cells, assay conditions, and data evaluation. Discussion of species differences and comparisons of a wide variety of species is an important feature. Both graduate students and practicing researchers in the areas of immunology and immunotoxicology will appreciate the Manual of Immunological Methods as a guide to standard operating procedures in the laboratory.

Serotonin and Gastrointestinal Function provides a comprehensive review of current research into the mechanisms by which serotonin acts on gastrointestinal tissues. This book covers neurochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical issues relevant to serotonin in the gastrointestinal tract. The editors have brought together the most relevant information from the molecular to the clinical level. Each chapter is written by investigators experienced in research on serotonin's actions in the gut. This book will be useful to basic scientists, clinical investigators, graduate and postgraduate students.

Nanoparticles as both potential unique risks and as a valuable approach to increased and higher specificity in delivery of therapeutics A primer on the largest, most diverse, and important microbiome in any mammal "Tricks of the trade" on modifying the oral administration of drugs

The theoretical and practical significance of antimuscarinic drugs is more obvious today than ever before. Antimuscarinics have helped to explore the pathomechanisms of of Alzheimer's disease, and to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's, cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal diseases, and even nerve gas poisoning. No other drug class can claim as long a history with so many therapeutic applications, yet the most significant developments in this broad chapter of pharmacology come from the discovery of different muscarinic receptor sites in the peripheral and central nervous system and from the availability of many new selective agents, notably antagonists, for these different receptor types. Pharmacology of Antimuscarinic Agents, written by an expert in anesthesiology and drug research, focuses on the basic principles of antimuscarinic drugs, their therapeutic value, how they work, and what versions are now available in the U.S. and abroad. This is the first time in decades an author has reviewed historical and current literature to present a comprehensive, standard reference on the antimuscarinic family.

This book addresses a wide range of basic and clinical issues in the physiology and pharmacology of growth hormone. The volume is organized like a textbook. It begins with factors contributing to GH gene expression, the functional relationships of the GH receptor, molecular biological analysis of the GH-GH receptor complex and proceeds to describe the insulin-like growth factor axis. Transgenic models are discussed for analysis of discrete effects. These discussions provide a bridge to clinically oriented discussions of growth abnormalities in GH deficient children, GH insensitivity due to deficiency of the GH receptor, and the concept of aging as a GH/IGF-I deficiency state. Discussions also include the immune system as a source and a responder to GH, GHRH, IGF-I and the effects of GH excess.