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 topics including ex vivo systems to study gastrointestinal development and functions, in vivo imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, isolation and characterization of intestinal immune cells, and animal models of gastrointestinal inflammation and cancer. The Gastrointestinal Physiology and Diseases: Methods and Protocols book targets wide audience of physiologists, cell and developmental biologists, immunologists, and physician-scientists working in the field of gastroenterology and beyond. Written in ... Read morethe highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to theirrespective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.