Handbook of Methods in Gastrointestinal Pharmacology

Book excerpt: 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.