Bradykinin is a type of plasma hormone that causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a drop in blood pressure, the contraction of muscles in the lungs, intestines, and uterus, and pain. The Kinin System reviews the molecular biology of the kinins through their roles in a complex array of inflammatory conditions such as asthma, GI disease, cardiovascular complaints and examines the future therapeutic opportunities. From the prepublication reviews: "A delicious masterpiece." --Chef's DigestThe Kinin System is a comprehensive, timely book covering all aspects of the kinin system from its disocvery to the pathophysiology, pharmacology, and molecular biology of the mechanisms regulating kinin production to kinin receptors in health and disease. The authors take a refreshingly different view of the kinin system than previous books on the subject. Several chapters contain new information on the gene expression, regulation, and cell surface presentation of kininogens and kallikreins, as well as new data, some of it from human studies, on the role of kinins in pain angiogenesis, tissue repair, sepsis, arthritis, asthma, allergic rhinits, myocardial ischemia, and other diseases. * * Offers new information on kinin reception, regulation of gene expression of receptors, and kinin-generating proteins. * Provides a distinctly immunopharmacological approach to the kinin system. * Reviews of the role of kinins in disease and inlcudes data from human studies. * Includes information that is fully up-to-date and comprehensive.

At the turn of the present century, researchers recognized that dall1aged tissue released chell1ical agents capable of causing catastrophic effects on the whole organisll1 upon enter ing the blood streall1. Following the discovery of histall1ine, these agents at first seell1ed identifiable with biogenic all1ines. However, very soon after the developll1ent of highly selective antagonists, little responsibility was ascribed to the all1ines, and the tissue factors were wrapped once again in ll1ystery. One can ill1agine perhaps and envy the fascinating ll1Oll1ents experienced by the ?ioneers in the kinin field when they realized that plasll1a had an enorll1OUS store of principles endowed with biologic activity, practically indistinguishable froll1 histall1ine, possessing a cOll1plex turnover and regulated by obscure biochell1icalll1echanisll1s. Like other biochell1ical eras, the era of the kinins was opened by a pioneer stage exceptionally long and exciting. After years of arduous isolation, researchers realized that kinins ll1ay not only be the key to unlocking the ll1ystery of histall1ine -like substance s, but alsoll1ay open the way to understanding other basic problell1s in pathology possibly associated with tissue factors.

Volume XXV of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology series entitled "Bradykinin, Kallidin, and Kallikrein" was published in 1970. My aim in editing this volume of the series is not to replace, but to update the 1970 edition. During the decade preceding the publication of Vol. XXV, the existence of kinins and kallikreins gained acceptance, the protein components of the system were purified and characterized and the peptides were synthesized. Even after these accomplish ments, interest in the subject has not abated, but has increased substantially. We have learned a great deal about the role that components of the kallikrein-kinin system play in other systems and about the immensely complex and intricate inter actions in blood. Directly or indirectly, kallikrein and kinins affect the coagulation of blood, the activation of complement, and the generation of angiotensin. Kinins release or modulate the actions of other agents, including prostaglandins, histamine, and catecholamines. Inhibitors of kallikrein or kininase II are employed, for example, in extracorporeal circulation or in hypertension. Kallikrein, kinins, and kininases, present in urine, were described first in 1925 and 1954, but have been ignored for decades. These substances are now studied extensively because of their possible role in blood pressure regulation. The evidence that kinins have a metabolic function is also increasing. The abundance of active components of the system in genital organs suggests a role in the fertilization process. The book is organized into chapters which bear upon these issues.

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased dramatically over recent decades, both in terms of the number of sufferers and the number of allergies. This is a trend that has frequently been referred to as 'the epidemic of the 21st century'. As described in ancient texts, allergies have been known for over 2,000 years, but the term 'allergy' was only coined at the beginning of the 20th century when doctors began to understand their pathophysiological basis. This book presents a detailed and varied historical overview of the field of allergology. Beginning with insights on allergy from antiquity to the 20th century and the development of the associated terminology, it compiles historical reflections on the understanding of the most common allergic diseases. Important milestones in the discovery of mechanisms of allergy are described, followed by historical accounts of the detection of allergens such as pollen, dust mites, peanuts and latex, and of environmental influences such as pollution and the relationship between farmers and their environment. Several chapters illustrate the progress made in allergy management to date. Particular highlights of this book are the personal reflections of and interviews with a number of pioneers of allergy, including F. Austen, J. Bienenstock, K. Blaser, A. de Weck, A.W. Frankland, K. Ishizaka, and many more. Concluding with portrayals of allergy societies and collections, as well as being supplemented by two films, this book represents a veritable treasure trove of fascinating and richly illustrated information. Not only researchers, physicians and medical historians, but also students and even non-scientists will find History of Allergy a scientific adventure well worth reading.

The papers collected in this volume were presented at the International Symposium on Hypotensive Peptides held in Flor ence, Italy, on October 25-29, 1965. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together scientists of fourteen countries ranging from the chemist to the surgeon, who usually do not speak a common language and for whom it would be quite difficult to follow the latest developments in fields allied to, but still some what removed from their basic interest. Their reports sum marized their recent progress and current achievements, and gave indication of the trend that future research on hypotensive peptides may take. Various aspects of the structure and function of brady kinin, kallidin, kallikrein, gastrin, eledoiSin, physalaemin, sub stance P, and related substances were discussed during the nine sessions. The first session was devoted to the chemistry of peptides. This was followed in loose order by reports dealing with the structure of some newer peptides, with kininogen, and with enzymes that release or inactivate peptides. Subsequently, reports on the physiological, pharmacological, pathological, and clinical importance of kinins, kallikrein, and eledoisin were presented. One entire session was devoted to substance P. At the closing session two motion pictures demonstrated the effect of the peptides on the circulation. The appendix of this volume contains the report of the international Committee on Nomenclature.

Presents current information on the molecular mechanisms of drug action. Provides 159 essays describing groups of drugs and drug targets. Several essays deal with general principles of pharmacology, such as drug tolerance, drug addiction, or drug metabolism.