Aldosterone (CIOMS)

BOOK REVIEW .%LDOSTEHONE

auspices $19.50.

(CIOMS). of UNESCO

E&ted by E. E. Baulieu und P. Rebel, and WHO, F. A. Davis Co., Philadelphia,

Published under the Pa., 1964, ,523 pp..

This book of 523 pages, comprised of a symposium on aldosterone, is presented in three parts: I. Methods of measurement and metabolism; II. Regulation and biological effects; and III. Arterial hypertension and other pathological manifestations. Internationally known ,luthoritirs including Jerome W. Conn who was the first to describe primary aldosteronism figure in each part of this symposium held in Prague in 1963. For those who want to familiarize themselves with the whole

field they

are likely

to

find what they are after in this volume. The clinical instructors will probably profit most .ts the clinical disorders in which aldosterone plays a role are considered in satisfying tletail. I refer especially to the reduced aldosterone excretion in congestive heart faihlrc and cirrhosis of the liver; to the fact that urinary aldosterone though helpful clinically is not a precise index of aldosterone secretion; to hyperaldosteronism provoked by renal ischemia as well as to the relationship of aldosterone, sodium balance and angiotensin activity in the arterial hypertension and in pre-eclampsia.

in man;

and to alterations

of aldosterone

excretion

in pregnant)

The biochemical, physiological an1 pharmacological aspects will be helpful to the student who wishr,s, in the shortest possible time, to become acquainted with the detailed invtstigations which are necessary to make possible clinical applications of new discoveries. Tht. extensive bibliographies will be of value to investigators in this field and the over-all subject matter will serve as a valuable reference for the clinician but in this respect tht purpose Duncun,

of the book would be much M.D.

better

served

559

if it contained

an index.--G&c/d

G