The gastrointestinal tract has a number of unique features. Its extensive surface is formed by a single layer of rapidly renewing cells, the intestinal epithelial cells. These cells are in contact with a number of other cell populations, including the largest part of the immune system, and with an excessive luminal antigen load, including vast numbers of bacteria. Furthermore two more organs, namely liver and pancreas, are part of the system. The rapid renewal of the epithelial layer, the interactions of different cell types, and the balance between cell proliferation and death, have been fascinating subjects of studies in recent years. Much has been learned, and cytokines have emerged as important mediators for all these interactions and homeostatic systems. This book, the proceedings of the Falk Symposium 113 on `Cytokines and Cell Homeostasis in the Gastrointestinal Tract', held in Regensburg, Germany, 16-18 September 1999, provides a forum for basic scientists and interested clinicians to exchange ideas, to discuss concepts and to plan further studies.

Cancer chemotherapy frequently attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Many of the possible side-effects reduce the patient's quality of life, may limit acceptance of further drug administration, and even life-threatening complications must be considered. This book is the proceedings of the Falk Workshop 'Side-effects of Chemotherapy on the Gastrointestinal Tract: Pathogenesis and Therapy', held in Freiburg, Germany, on October 11, 2002 (Part IV of the Freiburg Gastroenterology Week). Chapters by pathologists, pharmacologists, oncologists and gastroenterologists will improve our understanding of the effects of anticancer agents on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract and help to compensate for chemotherapy-induced adverse effects.

Hier finden Sie den aktuellen Wissensstand der Gastroenterologie didaktisch klar und ubersichtlich zum schnellen Nachschlagen. Inhalt und Gliederung sind auf die Weiterbildungsinhalte abgestimmt. - Symptom-orientierter Aufbau: Motilitats- und funktionelle Stoerungen, entzundliche Erkrankungen, Tumore und Stoffwechselerkrankungen - Pathophysiologische Grundlagen - Klinische Krankheitsbilder, Diagnostik und Therapie - Wichtige Leitsymptome und Notfallsituationen knapp und pragnant auf einen Blick Ein Referenz-Werk, das Ihnen den raschen UEberblick in Klinik und Praxis erleichtert und prazise Detail-Informationen fur Ihre Weiterbildung bietet.