Most studies on autonomic innervation of smooth muscle have focused on the short-term mechanisms involved in neurotransmission in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. However recent obser vations of the long-term plasticity of this system, i. e. its capacity for regeneration and for compensatory change in pattern of innervation and expression of cotransmitters and receptors in ageing, following surgery, trauma or in disease, have indicated that an understanding of the mechanisms involved could influence the design of therapeutic regimes. There is increasing evidence for long-term communication between nerves and smooth muscle cells during development and throughout adult life. To date, the trophic interactions between nerves and airway musculature have attracted little interest, consequently, much of the information presented here is drawn from studies using other smooth muscles. However, the questions posed about trophic interactions dur ing development apply as much to airways smooth muscle neuroeffector systems as to other autonomic neuroeffector systems. These are: i) How do developing nerve fibres know where to go and how do they reach their target sites? ii) What determines the density and pattern of inner vation at reaching the effector? iii) How do the nerves survive and maintain their position once established? iv) What factors influence neurochemical differentiation such that genetically multipotential neu rones are triggered to synthesize one or combinations of neurotransmit ters? v) What influence do nerves have on the structure, function and receptor expression of their effector cells? vi) How do diseases interrupt these processes? - see [1].

This book presents the commonality and heterogeneity of the mechanisms underlying smooth muscle spontaneous activity in various smooth muscle organs and in addition discusses their malfunctions in disease and their potential as novel therapeutic targets. To facilitate understanding, the volume is divided into five parts and covers 16 organs: airways, gastrointestinal tract (phasic muscle, tonic muscle), renal pelvis, ureter, urinary bladder, urethra, corporal tissue, prostate, uterus, oviducts, seminal vesicle, artery, vein, microvasculature, and lymphatic vessels. This structure will help readers to comprehend the most up-to-date information on the similarities and differences in the contractile mechanisms driving various smooth muscles as well as their potential manipulations in particular visceral organ pathologies. The vast advancements in gene, electrical recording, and imaging technologies in this field are also discussed, with review of past achievements and consideration of likely future developments. This book will be of worldwide interest to clinicians, students, and researchers alike.

New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.

The endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells, constitutes the inner cellular lining of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and the lymphatic system, and therefore is in direct contact with the blood/lymph and the circulating cells. The endothelium is a major player in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation and vascular tone, a major actor in the regulation of immunology, inflammation and angiogenesis, and an important metabolizing and an endocrine organ. Endothelial cells controls vascular tone, and thereby blood flow, by synthesizing and releasing relaxing and contracting factors such as nitric oxide, metabolites of arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 pathways, various peptides (endothelin, urotensin, CNP, adrenomedullin, etc.), adenosine, purines, reactive oxygen species and so on. Additionally, endothelial ectoenzymes are required steps in the generation of vasoactive hormones such as angiotensin II. An endothelial dysfunction linked to an imbalance in the synthesis and/or the release of these various endothelial factors may explain the initiation of cardiovascular pathologies (from hypertension to atherosclerosis) or their development and perpetuation. Table of Contents: Introduction / Multiple Functions of the Endothelial Cells / Calcium Signaling in Vascular Cells and Cell-to-Cell Communications / Endothelium-Dependent Regulation of Vascular Tone / Conclusion / References

This title is directed primarily towards health care professionals outside of the United States. Equine Respiratory Medicine and Surgery provides up-to-date, in-depth coverage of the diagnosis and management of respiratory disorders in the horse. It discusses respiratory physiology and examination techniques, as well as a review of the medical and surgical problems that may be encountered, organized anatomically and progressing in logical fashion from the upper airways, larynx and sinuses, through the lower airways, the lungs, and diaphragm. Common conditions covered include infections, allergy, trauma, cysts, and tumors. High quality artwork, including relevant radiographic and ultrasonographic images, CAT scans, MRI images, and color photographs aid understanding and diagnosis. A truly international perspective includes guidelines for different geographic areas and racing jurisdictions. Features in-depth coverage of the role of the veterinarian in the management of athletic horses with respiratory tract diseases.