This unique book fills an important need in predicting the effect of drugs on enteric motion, starting from first principles in pharmacology, neurobiology, and biophysics. A most valuable aspect is formulation of a comprehensive and sophisticated mathematical model which links drug effects on ionic channels (and currents) to produce electromagnetic waves that produce motion. After a first introductory chapter, the remaining 8 chapters isolate and predict the effect of ion channel flux, drugs, and repetitive stimulation on smooth muscle, myoelectrical activity, synaptic transmission, neuronal assemblies, multiple neurotransmission (e.g., acetylcholine and serotonin), the functional unit, and ultimately the dynamics of intestinal propulsion.



Rather than a phenomenological approach, the synthesis of the comprehensive predictive computational model introduced in this book allows understanding of complex mechanisms and modulation of enteric motion by rigorous application of biophysical and physiological knowledge. This prediction is important in understanding pathophysiology of motility disorders and drug effects.



I know of no similar compendium of such models in a compact, well organized, clearly written and well illustrated book.