Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that transmits signals in an organism. Signal transmission by a gas that is produced by one cell and which penetrates through membranes and regulates the function of another cell represents an entirely new principle for signaling in biological systems. NO is a signal molecule of key importance for the cardiovascular system acting as a regulator of blood pressure and as a gatekeeper of blood flow to different organs. NO also exerts a series of other functions, such as acting a signal molecule in the nervous system and as a weapon against infections. NO is present in most living creatures and made by many different types of cells. NO research has led to new treatments for treating heart as well as lung diseases, shock, and impotence. Scientists are currently testing whether NO can be used to stop the growth of cancerous tumors, since the gas can induce programmed cell death, apoptosis. This book is the first comprehensive text on nitric oxide to cover all aspects--basic biology, chemistry, pathobiology, effects on various disease states, and therapeutic implications. - Edited by Nobel Laureate Louis J. Ignarro, editor of the Academic Press journal, Nitric Oxide - Authored by world experts on nitric oxide - Includes an overview of basic principles of biology and chemical biology - Covers principles of pathobiology, including the nervous system, cardiovascular function, pulmonary function, and immune defense

Since the nineteenth century, when engineers were using nitroglycerin to blow up rockbeds, and doctors were prescribing it to relieve angina, scientists have been exploring the incredible and often baffling behavior of nitric oxide. In the 1980s, researchers discovered that nitric oxide had the capacity to regulate vascular tone through cyclic GMP,

Advances in Nitric Oxide and Cancer is a volume that serves to give the latest research on nitric oxide (NO) and cancer. More specifically, the volume reviews significant advances in the application of NO-mediated drugs. The volume explores nitric oxide and its relationship to cancer spanning from its roles in the pathogenesis, prognosis, gene and protein modifications, regulation of resistance to cytotoxics, and therapeutic applications. With chapters written by leading experts, the volume addresses the burgeoning interest in a rapidly advancing field and provides a valuable resource to scientists who have initiated research as well as clinical investigations in their laboratories on the various roles of NO and cancer.

The recognition of cell death as an active process has changed the way in which biologists view living things. Geneticists re-evaluate long known mutants, research strategies are redesigned, and new model systems are sought. This volume reviews our new understanding of programmed cell death as it applies to plants. The book draws comparisons with programmed cell death in animals and unicellular organisms. The book is directed at researchers and professionals in plant cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, developmental biology and genetics.

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

A comprehensive introduction to the physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of produce growth, paired with cutting-edge technological advances in produce preservation Revised and updated, the second edition of Postharvest Biology and Nanotechnology explores the most recent developments in postharvest biology and nanotechnology. Since the publication of the first edition, there has been an increased understanding of the developmental physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology during early growth, maturation, ripening, and postharvest conditions. The contributors—noted experts in the field—review the improved technologies that maintain the shelf life and quality of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. This second edition contains new strategies that can be implemented to remedy food security issues, including but not limited to phospholipase D inhibition technology and ethylene inhibition via 1-MCP technology. The text offers an introduction to technologies used in production practices and distribution of produce around the world, as well as the process of sencescence on a molecular and biochemical level. The book also explores the postharvest value chain for various produce, quality evaluation techniques, and the most current nanotechnology applications. This important resource: • Expands on the first edition to explore in-depth postharvest biology with emphasis on developments in nanotechnology • Contains contributions from leaders in the field • Includes the most recent advances in postharvest biology and technology, including but not limited to phospholipase D and 1-MCP technology • Puts the focus on basic science as well as technology and practical applications • Applies a physiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology approach to the subject Written for crop science researchers and professionals, horticultural researchers, agricultural engineers, food scientists working with fruits and vegetables, Postharvest Biology and Nanotechnology, Second Edition provides a comprehensive introduction to this subject, with a grounding in the basic science with the technology and practical applications.