This is the fourth in a series of books on Advances in Prostaglandin Research published by MTP Press. From laboratory and animal studies a large number of practical applications of prostaglandins have been identified. In some areas clinical trials have also been carried out. There is usually a long time interval between identifying practical applications of new drugs and clinical trials. Most of the information on practical applications of prostaglandins is scattered in different journals. Although a number of books dealing with prostaglandin research have been published (including some on practical applications in specific areas, e.g. reproduction) there is no single volume dealing with all areas of practical applications of these substances. This book aims at filling this gap and should be of interest to clinicians as well as to medical and basic scientists in academic institutions and in the pharmaceutical industry. In some areas, exciting potential applications of prostaglandins have been identified from basic research but clinical trials have so far not been carried out. Such areas of practical applications are covered in a separate intro ductory chapter. All contributors to the volume are scientists and clinicians actively engaged in prostaglandin research and most are recognized authorities in specific areas. The need for rapid publication in a fast-expanding field is obvious.

Building upon the extensive compilation of biochemical data featured in Volume I of the Handbook of Eicosanoids, the new Volume II describes the past, present, and potential future impact of eicosanoid research on new drug development. The reader is taken from a historical perspective through state-of-the-art basic concepts to extensive tabulation of molecular structures of compounds known to act via the eicosanoid system. Much emphasis is given to recent breakthroughs in the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and the development of receptor antagonists for prostaglandins and leukotrienes. There is also an introductory chapter that proposes areas that require further investigation and novel approaches using existing technology. This handbook will thus be invaluable for medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and all those involved in basic research in the eicosanoid area. In addition, many parts of this handbook are suitable for use by university lecturers and students. There are 20 figures and 44 extensive tables as well as a bibliography containing more than 2,000 references that complement the text.

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

The Second Edition of Asthma and COPD: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management continues to provide a unique and authoritative comparison of asthma and COPD. Written and edited by the world's leading experts, it continues to be a comprehensive review of the most recent understanding of the basic mechanisms of both conditions, specifically comparing their etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. * Each chapter considers Asthma and COPD in side-by-side contrast and comparison – not in isolation - in the context of mechanism, triggers, assessments, therapies, and clinical management * Presents the latest and most comprehensive understandings of the mechanisms of inflammation in both Asthma and COPD * Most extensive reference to primary literature on both Asthma and COPD in one source. * Easy-to-read summaries of the latest advances alongside clear illustrations

Recent years have seen tremendous advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of platelet activation. All aspects of signal transduction in platelets from the identification of surface receptors, G proteins, phospholipases, protein kinases and phosphatases, intracellular receptors for inositol phosphates, the Ca2+ regulatory machinery, cytoskeletal constituents to the control mechanism employing cyclic nucleotides has seen an explosion of information regarding their importance and for each constituent in the family of molecules to which they belong. This information has been of interest to researchers across a wide spectrum of disciplines including biochemists, pharmacologists, cell biologists and clinicians. In April 1992 an International Symposium bearing the name of this volume was organised at the Thrombosis Research Institute to bring together scientists from across the world whose common interest was the study of platelet activation and its regulation. We were particularly encouraged by the positive response from our speakers and the participants, their detailed contributions and the very lively discussions that took place throughout the two days of the symposium. Almost every aspect of signal transduction in human platelets was represented. Of the invited speakers twelve were from Europe (including the U. K. ), eight from North America and one from Japan. This volume is a compilation of chapters submitted by the speakers and represents a concise but informative picture of the present knowledge of the mechanisms of platelet activation and control.