Leonard Share and a panel of distinguished clinicians and investigators critically review what is known about the effects of endogenous hormones and other chemical agents that act upon and/or are secreted by the heart. Among the humoral factors reviewed in depth are ANP, adrenomedullin, urocortin, vasopressin, and insulin, as well as the autocoids, endothelin, nitric oxide, estrogen, and the eicosanoids. Also illuminated are the roles played by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, by the autonomic nervous system, and by the kallikrein-kinin system in the functioning of the heart. Offers physiologists, pharmacologists, and academic cardiologists powerful insights into the hormonal factors that modulate cardiac performance in health and disease. Contributing substantially to our understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the heart, this important book is certain to serve as the new standard reference for all those involved in basic and clinical cardiovascular studies as well as in developing today's novel cardiotherapeutics.
