Liver.

The liver's unique metabolism and relationship to the gastrointestinal tract make it an important target of the toxicity of drugs and xenobiotics. The developmental changes that occur in the liver's metabolic activity from birth to adolescence contribute to the varied sensitivity to toxins seen in the pediatric population. Hepatic drug metabolism, often with an imbalance between the generation of toxic metabolites and detoxification processes, can influence the degree of hepatotoxicity.

Colitis-induced alterations in adrenergic control of circular smooth muscle in vitro in rats.

The present study investigated inflammation-induced changes in adrenergic regulation of smooth muscle. Colitis was induced in rats by intrarectal administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid in ethanol. After 4 h (acute) or 7 days (chronic), in vitro isometric tension was measured in strips of circular smooth muscle taken from the distal colon.

The role of IL-4 in Heligmosomoides polygyrus-induced alterations in murine intestinal epithelial cell function.

IL-4 and IL-13 promote gastrointestinal worm expulsion, at least in part, through effects on nonlymphoid cells, such as intestinal epithelial cells. The role of IL-4/IL-13 in the regulation of intestinal epithelial function during Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Hp) infection was investigated in BALB/c mice infected with Hp or treated with a long-lasting formulation of recombinant mouse IL-4/alphaIL-4 complexes (IL-4C) for 7 days. Separate groups of BALB/c mice were drug-cured of initial infection and later reinfected and treated with anti-IL-4R mAb, an antagonist of IL-4 and IL-13 receptor binding, or with a control mAb.

Etiology and treatment of achalasia in the pediatric age group.

Achalasia in children bears many similarities to the disorder in adults, both in terms of clinical features and in terms of the approach to therapy. Pharmacologic management is of limited temporary benefit until more definitive therapy is undertaken. Intrasphincteric injections of botulinum toxin provides safe but short-term relief from symptoms.