This volume provides a comprehensive collection of  classical and cutting edge protocols and techniques to examine the normal development and physiological functions of the gastrointestinal system and to model the most common digestive diseases. The chapters focus on diverse research topicsincluding ex vivo systems to study gastrointestinal development and functions,in vivo imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, isolation and characterizationof intestinal immune cells, and animal models of gastrointestinal inflammationand cancer. The Gastrointestinal Physiology and Diseases: Methods andProtocols book targets wide audience of physiologists,cell and developmental biologists, immunologists, and physician-scientistsworking in the field of gastroenterology and beyond. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters includeintroductions to theirrespective topics, lists of the necessary materials andreagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips ontroubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Highly practical and clearly written, Gastrointestinal Physiology andDiseases: Methods and Protocols will serve both seasoned researchers as well asnewcomers to the field and will providea unique resource and expert guidance to modern laboratory techniques developedfor examining normal functions and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.