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Cell and muscle motility
162
Book Reviews
Cell and Muscle Motility Edited by R. M. Dowben and J. W. Shay. Volume 3.311 pp. 1983. Plenum Press, New York. US $39.50. This volume contains reviews on the following subjects: intermediate filaments in striated muscle review of structural studies in embryonic and adult skeletal and cardiac muscle: biochemistry and structure of mammalian neurofilaments: organization of contractile fibers in smooth muscle: regulation of muscle contraction: membrane system and cytoskeletal elements of mammalian myocardial cells: control of gene expression in muscle development: cloning of contractile protein: role of microtubules and centrioles in growth regulation of mammalian cells. The reviews are of a high standard and they are well illustrated with glossy photographs and diagrams. Cell and Muscle Motility The Cytoskeleton Edited by J. W. Shay. Volume 5. 416 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. US $39.50. There has been a tremendous amount of research into the structure and properties of the fibrous proteins in cytoplasm. The microtubules (25 nm diameter), consist of tubulin and microtubule associated proteins (MAP1, MAP2,) tau. Microfilaments (6 nm) consist of actin, alpha actin, filamin, myosin, tropomyosin, vinculin. Intermediate filaments (10nm) include desmin or skeletin, prekeratin, vimentin, acidic fibrillary protein. These systems take part in cell motility, growth, change of shape, secretion, cell division, uptake of material. They are
of fundamental importance to the life of cells and tissues. The roles of the cytoskeletal system and the biochemical systems involved are fully discussed in this book which is well illustrated and has an extensive bibliography. It lives up to the high reputation of the preceding volumes in this series.
Fundamentals of Neuropsychopharmacology--Robert S. Feldman and Linda F. Quezner. 508 pp. 1984. Sinauer Associates, Mass., U.S.A. US $35.00.
This volume is designed as a text book for students in behavioural pharmacology, neurosciences, psychology, medicine and nursing. The main chapters are as follows: principles of pharmacology: behavioural pharmacology: cytology of nerve cells: neurophysiological mechanisms: synaptic function: acetylcholine: catecholamines: serotonin: amino acids: peptides: anxiolytic drugs: pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia: opiates. Each chapter deals in detail with the subject so that for example the chapter on serotonin has subheadings: synthesis: receptors: autoreceptors: reuptake: pineal: circadian rhythms: melatonin: inhibitors of serotonin synthesis: inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptophan: decarboxylating enzymes: block of serotonin catabolism: aldehyde oxidation versus reduction: LSD 25: hallucinogenic drugs: isoergine: therapeutic use of hallucinogens: serotonin antagonists. There is an extensive glossary, a detailed bibliography and a good index. This volume will be very useful to undergraduates and to post graduates moving into the subject.
Book Reviews
Cell and Muscle Motility Edited by R. M. Dowben and J. W. Shay. Volume 3.311 pp. 1983. Plenum Press, New York. US $39.50. This volume contains reviews on the following subjects: intermediate filaments in striated muscle review of structural studies in embryonic and adult skeletal and cardiac muscle: biochemistry and structure of mammalian neurofilaments: organization of contractile fibers in smooth muscle: regulation of muscle contraction: membrane system and cytoskeletal elements of mammalian myocardial cells: control of gene expression in muscle development: cloning of contractile protein: role of microtubules and centrioles in growth regulation of mammalian cells. The reviews are of a high standard and they are well illustrated with glossy photographs and diagrams. Cell and Muscle Motility The Cytoskeleton Edited by J. W. Shay. Volume 5. 416 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. US $39.50. There has been a tremendous amount of research into the structure and properties of the fibrous proteins in cytoplasm. The microtubules (25 nm diameter), consist of tubulin and microtubule associated proteins (MAP1, MAP2,) tau. Microfilaments (6 nm) consist of actin, alpha actin, filamin, myosin, tropomyosin, vinculin. Intermediate filaments (10nm) include desmin or skeletin, prekeratin, vimentin, acidic fibrillary protein. These systems take part in cell motility, growth, change of shape, secretion, cell division, uptake of material. They are
of fundamental importance to the life of cells and tissues. The roles of the cytoskeletal system and the biochemical systems involved are fully discussed in this book which is well illustrated and has an extensive bibliography. It lives up to the high reputation of the preceding volumes in this series.
Fundamentals of Neuropsychopharmacology--Robert S. Feldman and Linda F. Quezner. 508 pp. 1984. Sinauer Associates, Mass., U.S.A. US $35.00.
This volume is designed as a text book for students in behavioural pharmacology, neurosciences, psychology, medicine and nursing. The main chapters are as follows: principles of pharmacology: behavioural pharmacology: cytology of nerve cells: neurophysiological mechanisms: synaptic function: acetylcholine: catecholamines: serotonin: amino acids: peptides: anxiolytic drugs: pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia: opiates. Each chapter deals in detail with the subject so that for example the chapter on serotonin has subheadings: synthesis: receptors: autoreceptors: reuptake: pineal: circadian rhythms: melatonin: inhibitors of serotonin synthesis: inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptophan: decarboxylating enzymes: block of serotonin catabolism: aldehyde oxidation versus reduction: LSD 25: hallucinogenic drugs: isoergine: therapeutic use of hallucinogens: serotonin antagonists. There is an extensive glossary, a detailed bibliography and a good index. This volume will be very useful to undergraduates and to post graduates moving into the subject.