This book reflects the personal prejudices I have developed in twenty years of reading the scientific literature. I like monographs; good ones assemble a great deal of information in a logical sequence and in enough detail to enable one to see why current beliefs are held. For this purpose, it is entirely useless to write "as Smith has shown21 ,81,117 •••• " That only means that one must go to the library and turn up Smith's original papers, and one's object in reading a monograph is precisely to avoid that neces sity. One needs to know what Smith did and why he thought his observa tions proved whatever he claimed. Because life is short, it is impossible to deal with several thousand papers in this way, and the author must there fore select a relatively few papers that he regards as crucial. Often, several papers of equal merit might be quoted, and the selection is then arbitrary. I therefore apologize to authorities who do not find their work discussed. Omission does not mean that I thought their work was not valuable; it means only that I preferred to quote twenty references that people might read rather than two thousand that assuredly no one would read. Another strong prejUdice is that the full understanding of present knowledge requires one to know how present views have developed.

This book provides a concise set of protocols for assessing basic neutrophil functions, investigating specialized areas in neutrophil research, and completing step-by-step diagnostic assays of common neutrophil disorders. Each of the protocols is written by leading researchers in the field and includes hints for success, as well as guidance for troubleshooting. Scientists and clinicians will find this collection an invaluable aid.

This book describes the role of the neutrophil in infection and inflammation and provides an up-to-date review of the biochemistry and physiology of this cell, highlighting the mechanisms by which they seek out and destroy pathogenic microorganisms. The development of these cells during haematopoiesis is described and the mechanisms that lead to the production of reactive oxidants and the intracellular signal transduction systems that lead to the cell's activation are reviewed. The book also discusses recent discoveries concerning the role of cytokines in the regulation of neutrophil function together with the importance of the neutrophil as a generator of inflammatory cytokines. Finally, there is a description of the biochemical defects that give rise to some of the neutrophil-associated human diseases.

Mast Cells and Basophils will be essential reading for immunologists, biochemists and medical researchers. Detailed chapters cover all aspects of mast cell and basophil research, from cell development, proteases, histamine, cysteinyl leukotrienes, physiology and pathology to the role of these cells in health and disease. Chapters also discuss the clinical implications of histamine receptor antagonists.

In the past, neutrophils were often reduced to their ability to release preformed mediators and kill pathogens. The present volume of Chemical Immunology and Allergy, however, offers a very broad and timely view by highlighting the versatile functions of neutrophils in inflammatory, immune and antitumoral responses. Leading investigators uncover novel aspects of neutrophils, such as their capacity to control gene expression at the transcriptional level, or respond to proinflammatory cytokines, cytokine receptor chains (gc) and endogenous anti-inflammatory lipid mediators. Further points under discussion are neutrophils presenting antigens, activating T cells, participating in chemokine networking, and producing IL-12 and other cytokines during infectious diseases. Among the most original findings presented in this publication figure the observations that neutrophils cause increased vascular permeability during acute inflammation, regulate directly the angiogenic process, and influence tumor development. A final article offers a detailed description of the molecular processes affecting neutrophil cell death and survival. Unique in its field, this valuable volume is recommended reading not only for immunologists and pathologists, but also for cell biologists, hematologists and immunobiologists.

The third book in the group devoted to the "natural" immune system, this volume provides the ideal detailed, up-to-date overview of neutrophil function. Distilling new information alongside observations of the past, the book focuses on some of the most critical developments in currentneutrophil research. Specific examples of diseases resulting from neutrophil dysfunction and deficiency are brought to life by clinical case studies. An essential source of current research into this exciting field, this volume will be invaluable for advanced students and researchers in immunology,cell biology, and medicine.

A synthesis and collation of the recent material regarding the role of the neutrophil in basic pathological processes is presented in this volume. The mechanisms of chemotaxis, secretion, phagocytosis, intracellular killing, oxygen radical production and arachidonate production are comprehensively reviewed. Stimulus response coupling in the neutrophil, with chapters on intracellular Ca2+, C-Kinase, phospholipid metabolism, microfilaments and membrane electrophysiology are extensively discussed. Each chapter provides a critical review by experts with over 1,000 cited references. Invaluable to graduate students and medical and scientific researchers, this book provides a unique, up-to-date account of cellular biochemistry and physiology of the neutrophil.