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Gas mixing and distribution in the lung. Lung biology in health and disease, volume 25
Camp. Biockm.
Physiol. Vol. 84A, No. 1, pp. 195197,
1986
0300-9629/86 $3.00 + 0.00 0 1986 Pergamon Press Ltd
Printed in Great Britain
BOOK REVIEWS Caldum in biological systems-edited by R. P. RIJBIN, G. B. WEISSand J. W. PIJTNEY.737 pp. 1985. Plenum Press, New York. $89.50.
book is,very well written and provides excellent insight and information into an important subject.
The 80 chapters of this multi-author book review the major roles that calcium plays in cells and tissues. The topics discussed include: general aspects of calcium and cell function; roles of phosphoinositides in calcium-regulated systems; stimlulus-secretion coupling; calcium regulation of hemopoetic cells; calcium as a regulator of membrane permeability; calcium as a regulator of neuronal function; calmodulin; calcium and skeletal muscle contractility; calcium and cardiac muscle contractility; calcium and calcium antagonists in smooth muscle; calcium entry blockers and disease; vitamin D and other calcemic agents; alterations in calcium metabolism and homeostasis; normal biological calcification; pathological calcification; crystal deposition. There are five or more articles under each of these headings. These well written articles provide an excellent detailed analysis of the multifarious roles of calcium and also provide an overall view of the calcium research frontiers. The book is strongly recommended.
Molecular basis of insulin action-edited by M. P. CZECH. 473 pp. 1985. Plenum Press, New York. $59.50. Insulin was the first protein to be analysed and considerable progress has been made in elucidation of its mode of action and the nature of the insulin receptor. The insulin receptor is a heterotetrameric disulphide linked structure. The units seem to be a 90k Ss linked to a 125k, and this is linked by S-S to another such unit i.e. 90-S-S-125-S-S-125-SS-90. The receptor-associated tyrosine kinase activity is activated by tyrosine phosphorylation of its beta subunit, which may be an important regulatory mechanism in intact cells. After insulin binds to the receptor the whole complex is taken into the cell (internalized by endocytosis). Insulin increases the uptake of glucose into adipocytes by a factor of 10, probably by increasing the recruitment of insulin receptors into the membrane. Insulin acts by stimulating exocytosis rather than inhibiting endocytosis. Insulin also stimulates a (Na+-K+) ATPase, causes hyperpolarization of skeletal muscle, dissociates calmodulin from its association with (Ca2+, M$+) ATPase/calcium transport complex, affects muscle glycogen synthase and regulates acetyl CoA carboxylase. These and other functions of insulin are fully discussed in this interesting multi-author volume.
The endocrine system and the environment-edited by B. K. FOLLET,S. ISHII and A. CHAND~LA.329 pp. 1985. Japan Scientific Societies Press. Springer, Berlin. DM 118. The contributions in this volume are based on a meeting held in India, and contains articles on the endocrinology of fish (spawning, interrenal gland, temperature and salinity effects on the thyroid); amphibia (interrenal function, thyroid, egg maturation, migration); reptiles (reproduction, thyroid); birds (thyroid, migration, temperature, pollutants, adrenocortex, steroid hormones, photoperiodicity, reproductive behaviour). The book provides a background to an interesting and important subject and reflects the individual concerns of the specific authors. Like many symposia it would have been improved by a synoptic integrative general review of the contributions and the subject by the editors.
Chronic renal disease. Causes, complications pnd treatmentedited by N. B. CUMMINGSand S. KLAHR. 607 pp. 1985. Plenum Medical Press, New York. $75.
Serious renal disease occurs in 200 cases per million population. Immunopathogenic mechanisms account for most forms of primary glomerular disease and this, together with hypertension, diabetes, neoplasia and trauma, can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the USA about 75,000 patients are undergoing dialysis and 5000 kidney transplants are performed each year; these being the two main forms of treatment of ESRD. This multi-author volume has 60 chapters grouped into: lhergetic aspects of muscle contraction. Monographs of the Research trends in glomerular disease; Cystic disease; Renal physiological society, Volume 41-by ROGERC. WOLEDGE, osteopathy, vitamin D analogues, parathormone; NeuNANCY A. CURTIN and EARL HOMSHER. 357 pp. 1985. rologic complications; Cardiovascular complications; Treatment of children with renal failure; Drugs and renal failure; Academic Press, London. $79.50. Hemodialysis and hemofiltration; Transplantation and immunosuppression; Nutritional therapy. Studies on the tension transients that accompany and follow This well-produced volume provides an excellent account fibre length on single muscle fibres, and on skinned muscle of the problems and treatment of chronic renal disease. fibres where the concentrations of ATP, ADP and inorganic P can be controlled, provide information about the driving process in muscle contraction and the relation of contraction to ATP splitting. Measurement of energy Gas mixing and distribution in tbe lung. Lung biology in changes give information about the chemical processes that health and disease, Volume 25-edited by L. A. ENGELand supply the energy, the heat produced and the mechanical M. PAIVA.416 pp. 1985. Marcel Dekker, New York. $90. work done. Studies on isolated protein systems allow analysis of single reactions. All of these are described in detail Thus multi-author volume presents a comprehensive picture in the present volume. The main sections are headed; Initial of what is known about gas mixing and ventilation distribufacts and ideas; Mechanics of contraction; Kinetics; Heat tion in the lung. When tidal volumes are smaller than the production and chemical change; Crossbridge theories of anatomical dead space, various mechanisms are developed muscle contraction. The latter chapter gives details of five for axial dispersion to ensure adequate alveolar ventilation different theories and their limitations. and gas exchange. Improvements in the use of radioactive The main accent in the book is on the mechanical/ isotopes and imaging techniques are helping advance this physical changes in muscle during contraction and how this investigation. The studies range from the physical analysis is related to the energy input. This is to be expected since of molecular diffusion of gases across the complex geometry the main thing about muscle is that it moves (contracts). The of the acinar surface, mathematical modeling and computer 195
196
Book reviews
simulation of the gas flow and mixing in the lungs, and analysis of regional ventilation distribution. The final chapter gives an interesting cdmparative study of the gas exchange systems in fish, birds and mammals, and studies the advantages of the different systems of counter-current and cross-current exchange.
Acute respiratory failure. Lung biology in health and disease, Volume 24-edited by W. M. ZAWL and K. J. FALKE. 641 pp. 1985. Marcel Dikker, New York. $99.75. SF299. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) affects 150,000 Americans and kills 50,000 of them every year. As yet there is no complete animal model for ARDS but model systems are being developed and are described here. ARDS presents itself as inflammatory acute lung injury, with sustained pulmonary hypertension caused by an increased pulmonary vascular resistance. In man, where ARDS is due to trauma or sepsis, there is a reasonable chance of recovery following treatment. The present multi-author volume describes the pathology of the lung, interstitial alteration, fluid and solute transport, gas transport, pulmonary circulation, radiography and angiography, blood alterations, neutrophil elastase, complement, peptides and lipids, cardiac and renal function, in ARDS.
Drug discovery: the evolution of modes
mediciwgby WALTER SNEADER. 435 pp. 1985. John Wiley, Chichester.
E12.95. Most teachers of pharmacology complain that their students do not have an adequate background to the subject: the students just know about a few drugs and their action. The present volume will do much to overcome the problem. It provides a highly readable, interesting account of the development of the major classes of drugs. It puts the flesh on the bones and gives the reader insight into why it often took so long to develop a new drug. So the reader can now follow Kast, von Mering and Emil Fischer through the steps leading to the development of chloral, chloralose, trichlofos, sulphonal, trional, diethyl acetyl urea, diethylbarbituric acid and phenobarbitone. Or he can appreciate what Laborit did to help develop chlorpromazine and see why it was done. Many students think that current knowledge is all that is worth knowing. They do not appreciate that much of what is known at present is incomplete and that an understanding of the present in terms of its historical development will give perspective, depth and, possibly, a better realization of what should be done next. This excellent book will provide the background and also give the reader a great deal of factual knowledge about modem drugs and medicines. The book can be read with delight and advantage by most scientists. JAMESL. SCHARDEIN. 879 pp. 1985. Marcel Dekker, New York. $150.
Chemically induced birth defects--by Growth aad dUTereMiatioa of B cells. Lympbokhs,
Volume
l&-edited by M. H. SCHIUZIDER and K. A. SMITH(Series editor E. PICK). 227 pp. 1985. Academic Press, Orlando. $49. E49. Lymphokines are hormones that regulate activation, growth and maturation of cells of the immune system, and are produced as a result of an antigenic encounter. Though IL-2-dependent T cell clones have provided a stable basis for the identification of IL-2 receptors, the requirements for B cell growth have proved to be. more complex, partly due to the difficulty in establishing a homogeneous B cell subpopulation. This multi-author volume describes B cell growth, activation, proliferation and differentiation factors, the regulation of B function by T clones, the signal requirements for T activation of B cells, the use of polyclonal activators of B cells, B cell maturation, and the role of lymphokines.
PHILIP D. HANSTEN460 pp. 1985. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia. Paperback. $22.50.
Drog interactions. Fifth editiort-by
Drugs are classified in chapters according to their interactions on antiarrhythmics, oral anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antidiabetics, antihypertensives, antiinfectives, antineoplastics, digitalis, diuretics, ethanol, hormones, MAO inhibitors, phenothiazines, salicylates, tricylic antidepressants and miscellaneous interactions. There is a reference list at the end of each chapter so that the information can be followed up in more detail if required. Under each of these headings are listed the drugs that interact so that in the MAO chapter are given the interactions between MAO and amphetamines, anticholinergics, antidepressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cyclamates, etc. Bach is given with its mechanisms of interaction, clinical significance and patient management. The index is especially important since it gives each drug listed with the possible interactants and the page reference. In the fifth edition the information has been brought up to date and, in addition, 200 more interacting pairs of drugs have been added. This is an essential volume to have if you prescribe or apply more than one drug at a time.
About 7% of all live births show major defects. In addition a large number of defective embryos are miscarried and aborted (possibly 40% of all conceptions). Although some of these will be due to congenital genetic imbalance, others are caused by chemical mutagens or teratogens. This single author volume provides a detailed account of the evidence on 3000 chemicals that have produced birth defects in man and experimental animals. The author also discusses the problems of choosing a suitable animal species (rat, mouse, rabbit, dog, etc) for testing the teratogenicity and indicates at what stage the foetus is most susceptable to defects. Most of the major classes of drugs (cardiovascular, renal, analgesics, anaesthetics, anticonvulsants, stimulants, psychotropic agents, hormones, antimicrobials, etc) as well as chemicals, pesticides, solvents and food additives are discussed. There are many photographs of chemically induced defects, as well as extensive tabular data. Each chapter has a detailed bibliography and there is a good index. The book is a good source for finding up-to-date information on the teratogenicity of specific chemicals and drugs. Biological respomes in cancer. Immonomodulatioo by anticancer drugs, Volume 3-edited by E. MWCH and Y. SAKURAI. 216 pp. 1985. Plenum Press, New York. $39.50.
After an initial chapter on the regulation of the immune response, the succeeding chapters of this multi-author volume describe the effects of immunomodulating drugs and anti-metabolites such as the thiopurines, DTIC, antifolates, adenosine deaminase inhibitors, ARA C, adriamycine, cyclophosphamid, nitroso-ureas, dicarbazine, platinum complexes, Vinca alkaloids and glucocorticoids. The final chapter gives an excellent summary of the use of anticancer agents in bone marrow transplantation. Biochemistry and the central nervous system. Fifth editionby HENRY MCILWAIN and HERMANS. BACIELARD. 660 pp.
1985. Churchill Livingstone, London. $69. The new edition of this well known textbook is nearly 50% larger than the fourth edition and provides an excellent
Physiol. Vol. 84A, No. 1, pp. 195197,
1986
0300-9629/86 $3.00 + 0.00 0 1986 Pergamon Press Ltd
Printed in Great Britain
BOOK REVIEWS Caldum in biological systems-edited by R. P. RIJBIN, G. B. WEISSand J. W. PIJTNEY.737 pp. 1985. Plenum Press, New York. $89.50.
book is,very well written and provides excellent insight and information into an important subject.
The 80 chapters of this multi-author book review the major roles that calcium plays in cells and tissues. The topics discussed include: general aspects of calcium and cell function; roles of phosphoinositides in calcium-regulated systems; stimlulus-secretion coupling; calcium regulation of hemopoetic cells; calcium as a regulator of membrane permeability; calcium as a regulator of neuronal function; calmodulin; calcium and skeletal muscle contractility; calcium and cardiac muscle contractility; calcium and calcium antagonists in smooth muscle; calcium entry blockers and disease; vitamin D and other calcemic agents; alterations in calcium metabolism and homeostasis; normal biological calcification; pathological calcification; crystal deposition. There are five or more articles under each of these headings. These well written articles provide an excellent detailed analysis of the multifarious roles of calcium and also provide an overall view of the calcium research frontiers. The book is strongly recommended.
Molecular basis of insulin action-edited by M. P. CZECH. 473 pp. 1985. Plenum Press, New York. $59.50. Insulin was the first protein to be analysed and considerable progress has been made in elucidation of its mode of action and the nature of the insulin receptor. The insulin receptor is a heterotetrameric disulphide linked structure. The units seem to be a 90k Ss linked to a 125k, and this is linked by S-S to another such unit i.e. 90-S-S-125-S-S-125-SS-90. The receptor-associated tyrosine kinase activity is activated by tyrosine phosphorylation of its beta subunit, which may be an important regulatory mechanism in intact cells. After insulin binds to the receptor the whole complex is taken into the cell (internalized by endocytosis). Insulin increases the uptake of glucose into adipocytes by a factor of 10, probably by increasing the recruitment of insulin receptors into the membrane. Insulin acts by stimulating exocytosis rather than inhibiting endocytosis. Insulin also stimulates a (Na+-K+) ATPase, causes hyperpolarization of skeletal muscle, dissociates calmodulin from its association with (Ca2+, M$+) ATPase/calcium transport complex, affects muscle glycogen synthase and regulates acetyl CoA carboxylase. These and other functions of insulin are fully discussed in this interesting multi-author volume.
The endocrine system and the environment-edited by B. K. FOLLET,S. ISHII and A. CHAND~LA.329 pp. 1985. Japan Scientific Societies Press. Springer, Berlin. DM 118. The contributions in this volume are based on a meeting held in India, and contains articles on the endocrinology of fish (spawning, interrenal gland, temperature and salinity effects on the thyroid); amphibia (interrenal function, thyroid, egg maturation, migration); reptiles (reproduction, thyroid); birds (thyroid, migration, temperature, pollutants, adrenocortex, steroid hormones, photoperiodicity, reproductive behaviour). The book provides a background to an interesting and important subject and reflects the individual concerns of the specific authors. Like many symposia it would have been improved by a synoptic integrative general review of the contributions and the subject by the editors.
Chronic renal disease. Causes, complications pnd treatmentedited by N. B. CUMMINGSand S. KLAHR. 607 pp. 1985. Plenum Medical Press, New York. $75.
Serious renal disease occurs in 200 cases per million population. Immunopathogenic mechanisms account for most forms of primary glomerular disease and this, together with hypertension, diabetes, neoplasia and trauma, can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the USA about 75,000 patients are undergoing dialysis and 5000 kidney transplants are performed each year; these being the two main forms of treatment of ESRD. This multi-author volume has 60 chapters grouped into: lhergetic aspects of muscle contraction. Monographs of the Research trends in glomerular disease; Cystic disease; Renal physiological society, Volume 41-by ROGERC. WOLEDGE, osteopathy, vitamin D analogues, parathormone; NeuNANCY A. CURTIN and EARL HOMSHER. 357 pp. 1985. rologic complications; Cardiovascular complications; Treatment of children with renal failure; Drugs and renal failure; Academic Press, London. $79.50. Hemodialysis and hemofiltration; Transplantation and immunosuppression; Nutritional therapy. Studies on the tension transients that accompany and follow This well-produced volume provides an excellent account fibre length on single muscle fibres, and on skinned muscle of the problems and treatment of chronic renal disease. fibres where the concentrations of ATP, ADP and inorganic P can be controlled, provide information about the driving process in muscle contraction and the relation of contraction to ATP splitting. Measurement of energy Gas mixing and distribution in tbe lung. Lung biology in changes give information about the chemical processes that health and disease, Volume 25-edited by L. A. ENGELand supply the energy, the heat produced and the mechanical M. PAIVA.416 pp. 1985. Marcel Dekker, New York. $90. work done. Studies on isolated protein systems allow analysis of single reactions. All of these are described in detail Thus multi-author volume presents a comprehensive picture in the present volume. The main sections are headed; Initial of what is known about gas mixing and ventilation distribufacts and ideas; Mechanics of contraction; Kinetics; Heat tion in the lung. When tidal volumes are smaller than the production and chemical change; Crossbridge theories of anatomical dead space, various mechanisms are developed muscle contraction. The latter chapter gives details of five for axial dispersion to ensure adequate alveolar ventilation different theories and their limitations. and gas exchange. Improvements in the use of radioactive The main accent in the book is on the mechanical/ isotopes and imaging techniques are helping advance this physical changes in muscle during contraction and how this investigation. The studies range from the physical analysis is related to the energy input. This is to be expected since of molecular diffusion of gases across the complex geometry the main thing about muscle is that it moves (contracts). The of the acinar surface, mathematical modeling and computer 195
196
Book reviews
simulation of the gas flow and mixing in the lungs, and analysis of regional ventilation distribution. The final chapter gives an interesting cdmparative study of the gas exchange systems in fish, birds and mammals, and studies the advantages of the different systems of counter-current and cross-current exchange.
Acute respiratory failure. Lung biology in health and disease, Volume 24-edited by W. M. ZAWL and K. J. FALKE. 641 pp. 1985. Marcel Dikker, New York. $99.75. SF299. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) affects 150,000 Americans and kills 50,000 of them every year. As yet there is no complete animal model for ARDS but model systems are being developed and are described here. ARDS presents itself as inflammatory acute lung injury, with sustained pulmonary hypertension caused by an increased pulmonary vascular resistance. In man, where ARDS is due to trauma or sepsis, there is a reasonable chance of recovery following treatment. The present multi-author volume describes the pathology of the lung, interstitial alteration, fluid and solute transport, gas transport, pulmonary circulation, radiography and angiography, blood alterations, neutrophil elastase, complement, peptides and lipids, cardiac and renal function, in ARDS.
Drug discovery: the evolution of modes
mediciwgby WALTER SNEADER. 435 pp. 1985. John Wiley, Chichester.
E12.95. Most teachers of pharmacology complain that their students do not have an adequate background to the subject: the students just know about a few drugs and their action. The present volume will do much to overcome the problem. It provides a highly readable, interesting account of the development of the major classes of drugs. It puts the flesh on the bones and gives the reader insight into why it often took so long to develop a new drug. So the reader can now follow Kast, von Mering and Emil Fischer through the steps leading to the development of chloral, chloralose, trichlofos, sulphonal, trional, diethyl acetyl urea, diethylbarbituric acid and phenobarbitone. Or he can appreciate what Laborit did to help develop chlorpromazine and see why it was done. Many students think that current knowledge is all that is worth knowing. They do not appreciate that much of what is known at present is incomplete and that an understanding of the present in terms of its historical development will give perspective, depth and, possibly, a better realization of what should be done next. This excellent book will provide the background and also give the reader a great deal of factual knowledge about modem drugs and medicines. The book can be read with delight and advantage by most scientists. JAMESL. SCHARDEIN. 879 pp. 1985. Marcel Dekker, New York. $150.
Chemically induced birth defects--by Growth aad dUTereMiatioa of B cells. Lympbokhs,
Volume
l&-edited by M. H. SCHIUZIDER and K. A. SMITH(Series editor E. PICK). 227 pp. 1985. Academic Press, Orlando. $49. E49. Lymphokines are hormones that regulate activation, growth and maturation of cells of the immune system, and are produced as a result of an antigenic encounter. Though IL-2-dependent T cell clones have provided a stable basis for the identification of IL-2 receptors, the requirements for B cell growth have proved to be. more complex, partly due to the difficulty in establishing a homogeneous B cell subpopulation. This multi-author volume describes B cell growth, activation, proliferation and differentiation factors, the regulation of B function by T clones, the signal requirements for T activation of B cells, the use of polyclonal activators of B cells, B cell maturation, and the role of lymphokines.
PHILIP D. HANSTEN460 pp. 1985. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia. Paperback. $22.50.
Drog interactions. Fifth editiort-by
Drugs are classified in chapters according to their interactions on antiarrhythmics, oral anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, antidiabetics, antihypertensives, antiinfectives, antineoplastics, digitalis, diuretics, ethanol, hormones, MAO inhibitors, phenothiazines, salicylates, tricylic antidepressants and miscellaneous interactions. There is a reference list at the end of each chapter so that the information can be followed up in more detail if required. Under each of these headings are listed the drugs that interact so that in the MAO chapter are given the interactions between MAO and amphetamines, anticholinergics, antidepressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cyclamates, etc. Bach is given with its mechanisms of interaction, clinical significance and patient management. The index is especially important since it gives each drug listed with the possible interactants and the page reference. In the fifth edition the information has been brought up to date and, in addition, 200 more interacting pairs of drugs have been added. This is an essential volume to have if you prescribe or apply more than one drug at a time.
About 7% of all live births show major defects. In addition a large number of defective embryos are miscarried and aborted (possibly 40% of all conceptions). Although some of these will be due to congenital genetic imbalance, others are caused by chemical mutagens or teratogens. This single author volume provides a detailed account of the evidence on 3000 chemicals that have produced birth defects in man and experimental animals. The author also discusses the problems of choosing a suitable animal species (rat, mouse, rabbit, dog, etc) for testing the teratogenicity and indicates at what stage the foetus is most susceptable to defects. Most of the major classes of drugs (cardiovascular, renal, analgesics, anaesthetics, anticonvulsants, stimulants, psychotropic agents, hormones, antimicrobials, etc) as well as chemicals, pesticides, solvents and food additives are discussed. There are many photographs of chemically induced defects, as well as extensive tabular data. Each chapter has a detailed bibliography and there is a good index. The book is a good source for finding up-to-date information on the teratogenicity of specific chemicals and drugs. Biological respomes in cancer. Immonomodulatioo by anticancer drugs, Volume 3-edited by E. MWCH and Y. SAKURAI. 216 pp. 1985. Plenum Press, New York. $39.50.
After an initial chapter on the regulation of the immune response, the succeeding chapters of this multi-author volume describe the effects of immunomodulating drugs and anti-metabolites such as the thiopurines, DTIC, antifolates, adenosine deaminase inhibitors, ARA C, adriamycine, cyclophosphamid, nitroso-ureas, dicarbazine, platinum complexes, Vinca alkaloids and glucocorticoids. The final chapter gives an excellent summary of the use of anticancer agents in bone marrow transplantation. Biochemistry and the central nervous system. Fifth editionby HENRY MCILWAIN and HERMANS. BACIELARD. 660 pp.
1985. Churchill Livingstone, London. $69. The new edition of this well known textbook is nearly 50% larger than the fourth edition and provides an excellent