A review of the toxicology and pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.

The gastrointestinal tract of man and animals shows great specialization in structure and function for its primary role of digestion. There are many species differences in diet, anatomy and metabolism, and its neuroendocrine regulation has evolved into a complex field for investigation. Exposure of the tract from oral cavity, stomach, small and large intestine results in a range of toxicities covered by this review. Carcinogenesis of the gastrointestinal tract by a range of agents including pharmaceuticals is also discussed.