There can be no doubt that alkaline phosphatase is one of the most extensively in vestigated of all enzymes. This has resulted from the ubiquity of its distribution, and from the ease and sensitivity with which its activity can be measured. Unfortunately, these wide-ranging but often superficial experimental studies have been followed up by intensive and systematic investigations in only a few limited areas of the biochemistry and chemical pathology of alkaline phosphatase. The result has been the accumulation of a scientific literature of intimidating proportions, and the inevitable rediscovery of already known facts about the enzyme. Scientists are taught early in their careers that, in the words of Sir John Herschel, "Hasty generalization is the bane of science. " Nevertheless, moments arrive in all spheres of scientific activity when generalization becomes essential, to codify and to select from the mass of data already accumulated, and to provide starting points for new developments and new lines of investigation. This is especially true in a field such as alkaline phosphatase research, in which very real dangers exist that the seeds of fundamental understanding will be lost amidst an unexamined harvest of empirical observations. The history of the study of alkaline phosphatase provides several instances when valuable generalizations have emerged. Occasionally, the conclusions drawn on the basis of available evidence were wrong; more frequently, they have stood the test of further experimentation, and always, they have provided new insights into the nature and proper ties of this enzyme.

There can be no doubt that alkaline phosphatase is one of the most extensively in vestigated of all enzymes. This has resulted from the ubiquity of its distribution, and from the ease and sensitivity with which its activity can be measured. Unfortunately, these wide-ranging but often superficial experimental studies have been followed up by intensive and systematic investigations in only a few limited areas of the biochemistry and chemical pathology of alkaline phosphatase. The result has been the accumulation of a scientific literature of intimidating proportions, and the inevitable rediscovery of already known facts about the enzyme. Scientists are taught early in their careers that, in the words of Sir John Herschel, "Hasty generalization is the bane of science. " Nevertheless, moments arrive in all spheres of scientific activity when generalization becomes essential, to codify and to select from the mass of data already accumulated, and to provide starting points for new developments and new lines of investigation. This is especially true in a field such as alkaline phosphatase research, in which very real dangers exist that the seeds of fundamental understanding will be lost amidst an unexamined harvest of empirical observations. The history of the study of alkaline phosphatase provides several instances when valuable generalizations have emerged. Occasionally, the conclusions drawn on the basis of available evidence were wrong; more frequently, they have stood the test of further experimentation, and always, they have provided new insights into the nature and proper ties of this enzyme.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury, Volume 85, the newest volume in the Advances in Pharmacology series, presents a variety of chapters from the best authors in the field. Chapters in this new release include Cell death mechanisms in DILI, Mitochondria in DILI, Primary hepatocytes and their cultures for the testing of drug-induced liver injury, MetaHeps an alternate approach to identify IDILI, Autophagy and DILI, Biomarkers and DILI, Regeneration and DILI, Drug-induced liver injury in obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Mechanisms of Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury, the Evaluation and Treatment of Acetaminophen Toxicity, and much more. - Includes the authority and expertise of leading contributors in pharmacology - Presents the latest release in the Advances in Pharmacology series

Phosphatases, such as TNAP are fundamental in regulating the roles of cellular, and consequently numerous body functions. TNAP is a ubiquitous enzyme with a wide spectrum of substrates and specificity. Regulation at the cellular level and the lack of TNAP activity is a lethal condition. Recent findings of a highly specific regional, laminar and subcellular localization of TNAP in the cerebral cortex indicates that in addition to its metabolic and skeletal functions, TNAP also plays a role in regulating cerebral functions, most probably cognition. In fact, TNAP disturbance could result in complex diseases such as epilepsy, developmental retardation and Alzheimer's disease. Available data suggest that, regarding brain functions, TNAP is a potentially important target of clinical research. This book aims to provide an overview of our current understanding of the functions of TNAP in the brain and on other tissues and organs.

A review and discussion of new knowledge on the structure and function of mammalian alkaline phosphatases (APs) gained over the last 25 years. It covers: * The structure, regulation and expression of the AP genes * The three-dimensional structure of APs and mutagenesis work that further defined the structural/functional domains of the isozymes * The phenotypic abnormalities of the different AP knockout mice * Our current understanding of the in vivo role of the AP isozymes. The book also describes the possible use of APs as therapeutic agents and therapeutic targets and the many uses of these enzymes in clinical medicine and in biotechnology.

Driving further the research on mammalian alkaline phosphatase structure and function, Phosphatase Modulators collects expert contributions into one “how to” manual for basic scientists interested in initiating a drug discovery effort. While this book contains the traditional method chapters and some typical reviews on the structure and known functions of phosphatases, other contributions are meant to discuss approaches and alternatives useful in making “go/no-go” decisions in high throughput screening (HTS) and lead optimization campaigns. Many chapters focus on tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) as well as protein phosphatases. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters in this volume include the kind of detail and key implementation advice that promotes reproducible results. Step-by-step and practical, Phosphatase Modulators offers a path to understanding many of the facets and complexities associated with undertaking a drug discovery effort and will serve as a roadmap to initiating those efforts.

Equine Reproductive Procedures is a user-friendly guide to reproductive management, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic techniques on stallions, mares, and foals. Offering detailed descriptions of 161 procedures ranging from common to highly specialized, the book gives step-by-step instructions with interpretative information, as well as useful equipment lists and references for further reading. Presented in a highly portable spiral-bound format, Equine Reproductive Procedures is a practical resource for daily use in equine practice. Divided into sections on the non-pregnant mare, the pregnant mare, the postpartum mare, the stallion, and the newborn foal, the book is well-illustrated throughout with clinical photographs demonstrating procedures. Equine Reproductive Procedures provides practical guidance for performing basic and advanced techniques associated with the medical management of horses.