One of the prerequisites for survival is the ability ofcells to maintain their volume. Thus, during the course ofevolution cells have "learned" a variety of strategies toachieve volume homeostasis. This volume regulatory machineryinvolves regulation of both, cellular metabolism andcellular transport and is exploited by hormones andtransmitters to regulate cellularfunction. This book toillustrates the complex interplay of cell volume regulatorymechanisms and cellular function in a variety of tissues.However, our knowledge is still far from being conclusive,and the present collection of reviews is thought to fosterfurther experimental efforts to unravel the role of cellvolume in the integrated function of cells.
