Handbooks in Pharmacology and Toxicology – serie

This book is the first to provide both a broad overview of the current methodologies being applied to drug design and in-depth analyses of progress in specific fields. It details state-of-the-art approaches to pharmaceutical development currently used by some of the world's foremost laboratories. The book features contributors from a variety of fields, new techniques, previously unpublished data, and extensive reference lists.

Since the discovery of endothelin, major advances have been made in understanding the molecular structure and function of the endothelin receptors. At least two subtypes of receptors, designated ETA and ETB, have been identified through biochemical and pharmacological techniques. These subtypes are cloned and expressed and additional subtypes appear to exist. The biochemical events involved in the signal transduction processes that ultimately activate the cellular machinery involved in the end-organ responses are presented, as are the mechanisms by which the receptors recognize specific and different G-proteins. Functions mediated by the receptors at the cellular, tissue and, organ level are reviewed in detail, as well as the roles that they may play a part in the physiologic and pathophysiologic processes in animals and in humans.This book is unique in its breadth of scope. The most recent and important advances, from the intracellular level of the nucleus to the functional effect that endothelin receptors mediate in intact organs, are compiled and reviewed.

Inflammatory Cells and Mediators in Bronchial Asthma provides reviews and summaries regarding state-of-the-art articles that examine the role of various inflammatory cells and their mediators in the pathogenesis of asthma. Topics include pharmacological and biochemical regulation of the airways; involvement of key inflammatory cells and the release and effect of their mediators in airway function; and the characteristics of receptors for leukotriene B4, C4, and D4, adenosine, platelet-activating factor, sensory and inflammatory peptides, and the effect of various anti-asthmatic drugs on airway inflammation. Physicians, allergists, immunologists, and pulmonary disease research scientists will find this book to be an invaluable reference resource.

Asthma is a disease of high prevalence that has shown a trend toward increasing incidence, morbidity, and mortality over the last three decades despite apparently effective drug treatments and increasing awareness of the need for better disease management. Often the inflammatory component of asthma is studied; however, the tissue remodelling process is a significant process that should not be overlooked. This valuable reference synthesizes current data and concepts developed to determine the relationship between airway wall remodelling and the pathogenesis of asthma. It discusses evidence for structural changes in asthmatic airway, the relationship between airway thickening and hyperresponsiveness, the relationship between cytokine production and tissue remodelling and inflammation, the significance of epithelial changes and the extracellular matrix, and in vivo and in vitro experimental approaches to the assessment of remodelling. Pharmacological and biochemical mechanisms that control cell proliferation are also examined. The consequences of airway wall remodelling for airway hyperresponsiveness is the unique focus of this volume, offering a fresh perspective of advances in asthma research.

This book is the first to provide both a broad overview of the current methodologies being applied to drug design and in-depth analyses of progress in specific fields. It details state-of-the-art approaches to pharmaceutical development currently used by some of the world's foremost laboratories. The book features contributors from a variety of fields, new techniques, previously unpublished data, and extensive reference lists.

This volume brings together all aspects of TAXOL® research, development, and clinical use. It provides comprehensive knowledge of the compound and a perspective of the complex interrelationships needed for its development and production. Each chapter is written by an authority in the field. Chapters are carefully coordinated to maximize information on key topics while avoiding overlap and duplication. Previously unpublished material is presented along with thorough reviews of each topic.

Serotonin and Gastrointestinal Function provides a comprehensive review of current research into the mechanisms by which serotonin acts on gastrointestinal tissues. This book covers neurochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical issues relevant to serotonin in the gastrointestinal tract. The editors have brought together the most relevant information from the molecular to the clinical level. Each chapter is written by investigators experienced in research on serotonin's actions in the gut. This book will be useful to basic scientists, clinical investigators, graduate and postgraduate students.

This unique reference set provides a broad-based, in-depth presentation on angiotensin II receptors, from the genes that encode them to the responses they mediate in humans. The books emphasize known and potential therapeutic applications of the antagonists of angiotensin II receptors and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The molecular biology of angiotensin II receptors is reviewed, as are the biochemical effects mediated by angiotensin II receptors.This is the first publication to analyze in detail the structure-activity relationships for both peptide and nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor agonists and antagonists. It also presents the pharmacological effects mediated by angiotensin II receptors both in the periphery and in the brain.

This book explores several subtypes of muscarinic receptors that modulate smooth muscle activity. Main topics include a classification of muscarinic receptors, biochemical responses that occur in smooth muscle, the role of muscarinic receptors in the function of gastrointestinal and genitourinary smooth muscle, and prejunctional muscarinic receptors in smooth muscle. Discussions cover the current state of research and are intended to generate further research into the design of novel therapeutics for disorders of smooth muscle function.

Molecular Bases of Anesthesia provides a clear overview of the state of knowledge about anesthetic mechanisms at the molecular level of occurrence and focusing on the latest state-of-the-art techniques that relate to how anesthetic drugs cause unconsciousness.With contributions by leading experts, this timely book includes chapters on how to evaluate theories of anesthesia in general and includes discussion of some of the techniques, such as genetics, that can be used to address problems. Also discussed are anesthetic actions at major brain targets with a special emphasis on ion channels and areas of controversy in the field.This reference provides a broad survey of anesthetic actions, including hyperbaric pressure and anesthesia; volatile anesthetic interactions with proteins; and structure activity relationships of volatile anesthetics. Molecular Bases of Anesthesia stands alone as an in-depth, authoritative guide.

Osteoporosis, a growing epidemic among women in North America, Europe, and Japan, is a painful, costly disease that has presented a treatment challenge to healthcare professionals. Until recently, therapies have focused on agents that slow bone resorption, and have had only limited success at increasing bone mass.

The Manual of Immunological Methods represents the collaboration of the Canadian Network of Toxicology Centers, a non-profit network of university-based scientists dedicated to research, training, risk assessment, and communication. This manual provides detailed immunological methods that can be utilized by researchers or practitioners who want to enhance the successful application of this science. It emphasizes the need for continuously improving the quality of experiments performed and maintaining consistency in the results obtained.The Manual of Immunological Methods presents validated assays that are accompanied by a series of tools that will guide readers in performing their own laboratory work in the spirit of the Good Laboratory Practices. It covers specific methodologies including sample collection, preparation of cells, assay conditions, and data evaluation. Discussion of species differences and comparisons of a wide variety of species is an important feature. Both graduate students and practicing researchers in the areas of immunology and immunotoxicology will appreciate the Manual of Immunological Methods as a guide to standard operating procedures in the laboratory.

This book exploits an understanding of disease pathogenesis by applying a variety of biological agents to therapy. It provides a broad overview of the current methodologies being applied to biological approaches to rational drug design and in depth analyses of progress in this specific field.