Endogenous Mediators of Gastrointestinal Damage

This text helps the reader determine whether or not the gastrointestinal mucosa ulcerates can be viewed as a balance between aggressive factors present in the lumen and the mucosal defence system. Several of these aggressive factors, such as acid, bile and pepsin, are endogenous substances. Similarly, several endogenous substances exert control over mucosal blood flow and secretion and thus are important mediators of mucosal defence. In this volume, experts in this field have contributed chapters on some of the most important of these endogenous mediators, including histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and platelet-activating factor. The potential contribution of these mediators to gastrointestinal disease has been assessed. Also discussed is the role these mediators play in gastrointestinal side effects of drugs (i.e. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Also covered are the mechanisms of action of endogenous mediators relative to the the drugs used clinically for the treatment of maladies of the digestive system. This volume will be of interest to the basic scientist, the clinical investigator and to students of pathophysiology and medicine.