Smooth muscles line many internal organs and, in general, are involved in moving fluids and slurry around the body. They are controlled by the action of hormones, by nervous stimulation, and can be influenced by drugs. This 1997 book provides a review of our understanding of smooth muscle and integrates molecular, cellular and physiological information with tissue and anatomical studies. Well-known researchers have written chapters giving detailed reviews of our current knowledge of the biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology and anatomy of smooth muscle. In particular, they cover the seven most important areas of smooth muscle function including morphology, electrophysiology, mechanisms of electromechanical and pharmacomechanical coupling, calcium homeostasis, signal transduction, mechanics of contraction, and the contractile proteins. All those interested in muscular contraction will find this book worthwhile, whether they are biochemists, physiologists, or cell biologists.

This volume presents the proceedings of a muscle symposium, which was held as the Fourth Fujihara seminar on October 28 - November 1, 2002, at Hakone, Japan. This volume covers all fields of muscle biology, from molecules to humans. This book provides information about recent progress of muscle research as well as the problems that remain to be investigated. This volume will stimulate muscle investigators to design and perform novel experiments to clarify the mysteries in muscle contraction.

Advances in Physiological Sciences, Volume 5: Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Muscle Function covers the proceedings of the 28th International Congress of Physiological Sciences, held in Budapest in 1980 (including the proceedings of the satellite symposium on Membrane Control of Skeletal Muscle Function). The book focuses on the molecular and cellular facets of skeletal muscle function. The selection first offers information on the mechanical properties of cross-bridges and their relation to muscle contraction; molecular basis of functional specialization in muscle as induced by innervation; and electrical properties of crustacean muscle membranes. The text then ponders on contractile protein isoforms in developing muscle; effect of age and exercise on minced gastrocnemius muscle regeneration; and contractile proteins of rat gastrocnemius during its regeneration after mincing. The publication examines the behavior of myosin projections in frog striated muscle during isometric contraction; energetics of contracting muscle and its relation to crossbridge mechanisms; and time course of chemical change and energy production during contraction of frog skeletal muscle. The physiological analysis of human myopathy and adaptation in normal and diseased muscle are also discussed. The selection is a vital source of data for readers interested in the cellular and molecular aspects of muscle function.

This lively book examines recent trends in animal product consumption and diet; reviews industry efforts, policies, and programs aimed at improving the nutritional attributes of animal products; and offers suggestions for further research. In addition, the volume reviews dietary and health recommendations from major health organizations and notes specific target levels for nutrients.

Molecular Aspects of Exercise Biology and Exercise Genomics, the latest volume in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series includes a comprehensive summary of the evidence accumulated thus far on the molecular and cellular regulation of the various adaptations taking place in response to exercise. Changes in the cellular machinery are described for multiple tissues and organs in terms of signaling pathways, gene expression, and protein abundance. Adaptations to acute exercise as well as exposure to regular exercise are also discussed and considered. - Includes a comprehensive summary of the evidence accumulated thus far on the molecular and cellular regulation of the various adaptations taking place in response to exercise - Contains contributions from leading authorities - Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field of exercise biology and exercise genomics

Defines the current status of research in the genetics, anatomy, and development of the nematode C. elegans, providing a detailed molecular explanation of how development is regulated and how the nervous system specifies varied aspects of behavior. Contains sections on the genome, development, neural networks and behavior, and life history and evolution. Appendices offer genetic nomenclature, a list of laboratory strain and allele designations, skeleton genetic maps, a list of characterized genes, a table of neurotransmitter assignments for specific neurons, and information on codon usage. Includes bandw photos. For researchers in worm studies, as well as the wider community of researchers in cell and molecular biology. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR