- Email: [email protected]
Electrophoresis 83
946
Book reviews
cal shortening of Limulus muscle takes place without any significant shortening of the A-filaments. The flight muscles of insects show stepwise shortening which is synchronized throughout the whole of the muscle. It is possible that similar synchronized stepwise shortening occurs during other muscle fibre contraction. There had been some doubt whether the linear fall of isometric tension with decreasing overlap demonstrated the action of independent tension generators adding up in parallel in the region where actin filaments overlapped myosin cross bridges. The evidence presented at this meeting indicated that the cross bridges in the overlap region are all involved equivalently in the production of tension. There is also the possibility that the myosin head consists of several domains, one of which is always attached to the actin and in rigor configuration, whilst the other domains can adopt various configurations during the working stroke. The volume presents in detail the arguments in favour of these and many other ideas about the contractile mechanisms of muscle. Glucocorticoid effects and their biological consequences. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, Vol. 17lL edited by L. V. AVIOLI,C. GENNARI and B. IMBIMBO.419~~. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $57.50. The anti-inflammatory action of hydrocortisone (half life S-12 hr) is associated with the undesirable side effect of sodium retention. This is reduced in the synthetic glucocorticoid analogues such as prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisone (half lives 12-36 hr): dexamethasone, betamethasane and paramethosone (half lives 3672 hr). Though the sodium retention is reduced, these drugs have metabolic, gastro-intestinal, cardiovascular, ocular, cutaneous, musculo-skeletal, endocrine and CNS undesirable side effects. The major side effect of prolonged treatment is reduction in bone mass (osteopenia) which can lead to bone fractures. The new drug Deflazacort, a derivative of prednisolone, appears to bring about minimal alterations in calcium absorption and bone metabolism, when compared in equipotent dosages with prednisone or betamethasone. The present volume provides an up-to-date account and discussion of the major effects of the glucocorticoids on the different tissues of the body and evaluates their side effects and role in the treatment of disease. A biologist’s basic mathematics by DAVID R. CAUSTON. 216~~. 1983. Edward Arnold, London. E7.50 paperback. This is a modified second edition, though the author has changed the text to allow for the later production of a second volume A Biologist’s Advanced Malhematics. The present volume deals with numbers, indices, logs, linear functions, polynomials, power functions, rectangular hyperbolae, differentiation, first and second derivatives, growth curves, integration, area under curves, differential equations, arithmetic series, geometric series, binomial series, exponentials, allometry, matrices and vectors. Worked examples are provided, together with a series of problems on each section. The answers are provided at the back of the book. The volume will be useful for those whose basic maths is neglected or rusty, or who wish to start learning the subject from new. The physical chemistry of biological organizationby A. R. Peacocke. 302~~. 1983. Oxford University Press, Oxford. $65. Most biologists, though impressed with the complexities of living systems, tend to get on with their own research and assume that the general analysis of the organization of biological systems will take place in due course. The present volume provides an excellent readable account of the extent to which it is now possible to understand
the organization of biochemical and biophysical processes in cells and organisms, in terms of their thermodynamics, network communication systems, self-organization, origin and evolution. New concepts are discussed such as that of dissipative structures and order through fluctuations, and selection and quality factor in the assembly of macromolecules. This book is an introduction to the subject with a good bibliography to allow the reader to pursue the subject still deeper. Biologists, biochemists, physiologists and pharmacologists will benefit from reading this thought-provoking volume.
Electrophoresis 83%edited by H. HIRAI. 787~~. 1984. W. de Gruyter, Berlin. DM 280. This volume contains the papers from the Third International Electrophoresis Society meeting held in Tokyo. Electrophoretic techniques allow the separation of the many charged substances in the living system. so that present-day techniques allow the separation of 1000 proteins and enable a protein index to be made of that species. It is possible that new developments will allow up to 10,000 proteins to be separated and identified. There are difficulties in getting high resolution separations. Increasing the length of the SDS-PAGE gel does not produce the expected increase in resolution due to diffusion of materials. With isoelectric focussing, there can be an increase of 1.8 times the resolution by increasing the voltage four times (from 125 V! cm to 500 V/cm). The running time can also be reduced from 52 min at 150 V to 29 min at 500 V. With the increased voltage it is necessary to reduce the thickness of the gel to 125%200pm and also to apply some cooling system to remove the heat and so reduce convection. With a twodimensional run using iso-electric focussing in the first direction and SDS-PAGE in the second direction, a protein index of up to 2000 bits can be identified. Another advance that has been made is to develop the electrorophoresis of material within thin glass tubes (i.d. 0.05-X)).2mm, wall thickness 0.1 mm) and have automatic UV measurement of the proteins as they separate under 100@3000 V (75-200 V/cm). A run for 5-10 min can separate up to ten different proteins in the O.Ol~-5 pg sample, and the results are clearly displayed without any need for protein staining. In this, the technique is equivalent to HPLC. The volume describes the application of electrophoresis to cell mixtures so that RBCs of rabbit, dog and man can be easily separated. The technique is also applied to lymphocytes, and for the better matching of donor kidneys to a recipient. All those using the techniques of electrophoresis will find this book stimulating and helpful. Biomineralization and biological metal accumulation. Biological and geological perspectives-edited by P. Westbroek and E. W. de Jong. 533~~. 1983. Reidel. Dordrecht and Kluwer Boston, Hingham, MA. This is the published proceedings of the Fourth Internatlonal Symposium on Biomineralization. The GAIA hypothesis that certain properties of the atmosphere are actively maintained by the biota for the biota, helps explain the dynamically stable anomalous atmospheric composition. modulated alkalinities, and temperatures at the earth surface over the last 3.5 billion years. The theory has been extended to include the composition of the lower atmosphere, and the surface sediments. Part 1 of the book discusses global cycling and biomineralization in terms of the GAIA theory: composition of sea water, carbonate- silicate sedimentary system, calcification and atmospheric carbon dioxide, distribution and geological history of calcium carbonate boring microorganisms. Part II deals with aspects of calcification from the mitochondrion to the mollusc shell. egg shell and enamel on teeth. Part 111 is
Book reviews concerned with the biological accumulation of metals other than calcium, such as Si, Fe, Mn and Au, their detection and localization. The volume with its 50 chapters provides an excellent account of the self-organizing mineralization system interacting in the geological and biological environment.
Mammalian semiochemistry: the investigation of chemical signals between mammals-by ERIC S. ALBONE. 360~~. 1984. John Wiley, Chichester. E29.50. The Greek word for sign or signal is semeion, and the present book deals with how animals interact by means of chemical signals. The term will include pheromones but is a wider one that also includes chemical ecology. The subject has developed its own terminology so that allelochemics are semiochemicals mediating interaction between organisms of different species. whilst homeochemics are those mediating interaction between the same species. Allomones are chemicals favouring the emitting species (floral scent attracting pollinating insect) whilst kairomones favour the receiving species (predators attracted by the smell of the food plant or prey). Mammalian skin produces a wide range of chemicals. Sweat from the shirt of a young man can contain Cl8 and Cl9 steroids in microgram quantities (androsterone 71 pg: etiocholanone 44 pg: dihydro-epiandrosterone 30 pg). 90% of the steroids were in the free form and the other 10% were conjugated. The skin is a major excretion route for steroids and can indicate the internal endocrine state of the animal. In addition skin produces squalene, aliphatic monesters, mono and diglycerides, triglycerides and free fatty acids. Human skin synthesizes over 200 different fatty acids, possibly to allow a distinct “chemical signature for each individual”. Many mammals have developed specialized scent glands that are used in mating and territorial behaviour. The chemistry of these glands and their glandular secretions are being investigated and this volume describes what is at present known about this, as well as the chemicals secreted in the urine, reproductive tract, breath and saliva. In addition. microorganisms play an important role in the processing of chemicals in anal sacs, faeces, mouth, vagina, axilla and skin, and this is described. There is also a chapter written by Stephen Shirley on mammalian chemoreception. The book is well written and presented, and provides an excellent introduction to what will clearly be a very important subject. Not to be sniffed at!
Aging and cell function-edited 1984. Plenum Press, New York.
by J. E. JOHNSON. 283~~. $42.50.
This volume contains five chapters: (1) Evolutionary biology of ageing and longevity in mammalian species; (2) Receptors and ageing; (3) Metabolism of the brain, a measure of cellular function in ageing; (4) Age-related alteration in Beta-adrenergic modulation of cardiac cell function; (5) A systems analysis-thermodynamic view of cellular and organismic ageing. Though all the chapters arc of considerable interest, the first chapter will be of special interest to readers of this journal. In Man the maximum life span of 95 years has not apparently changed over the last 12,000 years, but the age to which 50% of the population survives has increased dramatically from the age of 35 in Classical Greece, to 48 in 15th Century England, 61 in USA (1900) to 72 in USA (1970). The maximum age potential of birds varies from Blue tit (9 years). European Robin (I 2), Swift (21), Herring Gull (36) and Royal Albatross (45). There is a relationship between the metabolic rate of an animal, its size and its potential life span. It is possible that metabolism leading to heat production is more ageing than metabolism producing kinetic energy.
947
Prevention of sexual maturity by removal of rats’ pituitary or castration also prolongs the life span. Restricted calorific diet can increase the life span of rats from 835 days to 1138 days, with a corresponding delay in the onset of sexual maturity (from 300 days to 1000 days). Natural antioxidants such as SOD, catalase, urate, alphatocopherol and carotenoids can all play a part in extending Ihe life span of a species. This is only part of the story and the reader will find a very interesting account of some of the factors that contribute to ageing and the duration of life span in this volume. Skeletal muscle handbook of physiology. by L. D. PEACHEY, R. H. ADRIAN and S. 1983. Distributed by Williams&Wilkins, for The American Physiological Society.
Section lo-edited R. GEIGER. 688 pp. Maryland, U.S.A. $145.
The volume has 4 main sections: (1) Structure; (2) Contraction; (3) Excitation-Contraction coupling; (4) Specialization, Adaptation and Disease. There are 20 chapters and 27 authors. The big changes that have taken place over the past 10 years are the improved resolution of scanning and transmission EM pictures of muscle, and the development of freeze fracture and high voltage EM, so that the structure of muscle fibres, the fibre ends, neuromuscular junction, muscle membranes and organelles are much clearer and better known. Immuno-histochemical techniques have allowed the location of fast twitch and slow twitch myosin, C protein, troponin and aldolase, within the muscle fibres. X-ray diffraction studies on living muscle still provides the best method of high resolution analysis of changes in skeletal muscle during various stages of contraction. Time resolved mechanical measurements on single muscle fibre contraction have demonstrated at least four separate dynamic steps in the cycle of cross bridge action. The role of surface depolarization, calcium entry and pH changes in inducing muscle contraction are being analysed with optical probes and the picture is not yet clear. The volume provides a comprehensive account of the state of the subject up to 1982. It is well illustrated with EM pictures, graphs and diagrams and there are excellent reference lists at the end of each chapter. The volume is written with the specialist in mind. It would help the less specialized reader if there were detailed factual summaries that presented what is new and what remains to be done, at the end of each chapter. Possibly this can be done in the next edition. Cystic fibrosis~--edited by D. LAWSON. 446 pp. 1984. John Wiley, Chichester. f15. This is the proceedings of the 9th International CF Congress. CF is a disease of secretory epithelia. It is common amongst Caucasians (one in two thousand children born have CF) and less common in Blacks and Orientals. It is probably inherited through an autosomal recessive factor. The sweat has an increased salinity due to reduced chloride permeability of the epithelial cells lining the sweat gland. The mucus has an increased viscosity and this affects the respiratory tract. some salivary glands, digestive and bilary tracts, pancreas and genito-urinary tract. Pancreatic insufficiency and respiratory infection are secondary effects. The respiratory tract tends to become infected with a mucoid variety of P.wudon~onas orruginosa, which can lead to pulmonary insufficiency and death. Though it is possible to treat patients with percussive massage of the chest to loosen the mucus. a self-treatment regime can be set up involving forced expiration, postural drainage, percussion and ventilation with chest compression. The genetic basis of this disease is not known. nor is the molecular lesion underlying the production of thick mucus
Book reviews
cal shortening of Limulus muscle takes place without any significant shortening of the A-filaments. The flight muscles of insects show stepwise shortening which is synchronized throughout the whole of the muscle. It is possible that similar synchronized stepwise shortening occurs during other muscle fibre contraction. There had been some doubt whether the linear fall of isometric tension with decreasing overlap demonstrated the action of independent tension generators adding up in parallel in the region where actin filaments overlapped myosin cross bridges. The evidence presented at this meeting indicated that the cross bridges in the overlap region are all involved equivalently in the production of tension. There is also the possibility that the myosin head consists of several domains, one of which is always attached to the actin and in rigor configuration, whilst the other domains can adopt various configurations during the working stroke. The volume presents in detail the arguments in favour of these and many other ideas about the contractile mechanisms of muscle. Glucocorticoid effects and their biological consequences. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, Vol. 17lL edited by L. V. AVIOLI,C. GENNARI and B. IMBIMBO.419~~. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $57.50. The anti-inflammatory action of hydrocortisone (half life S-12 hr) is associated with the undesirable side effect of sodium retention. This is reduced in the synthetic glucocorticoid analogues such as prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisone (half lives 12-36 hr): dexamethasone, betamethasane and paramethosone (half lives 3672 hr). Though the sodium retention is reduced, these drugs have metabolic, gastro-intestinal, cardiovascular, ocular, cutaneous, musculo-skeletal, endocrine and CNS undesirable side effects. The major side effect of prolonged treatment is reduction in bone mass (osteopenia) which can lead to bone fractures. The new drug Deflazacort, a derivative of prednisolone, appears to bring about minimal alterations in calcium absorption and bone metabolism, when compared in equipotent dosages with prednisone or betamethasone. The present volume provides an up-to-date account and discussion of the major effects of the glucocorticoids on the different tissues of the body and evaluates their side effects and role in the treatment of disease. A biologist’s basic mathematics by DAVID R. CAUSTON. 216~~. 1983. Edward Arnold, London. E7.50 paperback. This is a modified second edition, though the author has changed the text to allow for the later production of a second volume A Biologist’s Advanced Malhematics. The present volume deals with numbers, indices, logs, linear functions, polynomials, power functions, rectangular hyperbolae, differentiation, first and second derivatives, growth curves, integration, area under curves, differential equations, arithmetic series, geometric series, binomial series, exponentials, allometry, matrices and vectors. Worked examples are provided, together with a series of problems on each section. The answers are provided at the back of the book. The volume will be useful for those whose basic maths is neglected or rusty, or who wish to start learning the subject from new. The physical chemistry of biological organizationby A. R. Peacocke. 302~~. 1983. Oxford University Press, Oxford. $65. Most biologists, though impressed with the complexities of living systems, tend to get on with their own research and assume that the general analysis of the organization of biological systems will take place in due course. The present volume provides an excellent readable account of the extent to which it is now possible to understand
the organization of biochemical and biophysical processes in cells and organisms, in terms of their thermodynamics, network communication systems, self-organization, origin and evolution. New concepts are discussed such as that of dissipative structures and order through fluctuations, and selection and quality factor in the assembly of macromolecules. This book is an introduction to the subject with a good bibliography to allow the reader to pursue the subject still deeper. Biologists, biochemists, physiologists and pharmacologists will benefit from reading this thought-provoking volume.
Electrophoresis 83%edited by H. HIRAI. 787~~. 1984. W. de Gruyter, Berlin. DM 280. This volume contains the papers from the Third International Electrophoresis Society meeting held in Tokyo. Electrophoretic techniques allow the separation of the many charged substances in the living system. so that present-day techniques allow the separation of 1000 proteins and enable a protein index to be made of that species. It is possible that new developments will allow up to 10,000 proteins to be separated and identified. There are difficulties in getting high resolution separations. Increasing the length of the SDS-PAGE gel does not produce the expected increase in resolution due to diffusion of materials. With isoelectric focussing, there can be an increase of 1.8 times the resolution by increasing the voltage four times (from 125 V! cm to 500 V/cm). The running time can also be reduced from 52 min at 150 V to 29 min at 500 V. With the increased voltage it is necessary to reduce the thickness of the gel to 125%200pm and also to apply some cooling system to remove the heat and so reduce convection. With a twodimensional run using iso-electric focussing in the first direction and SDS-PAGE in the second direction, a protein index of up to 2000 bits can be identified. Another advance that has been made is to develop the electrorophoresis of material within thin glass tubes (i.d. 0.05-X)).2mm, wall thickness 0.1 mm) and have automatic UV measurement of the proteins as they separate under 100@3000 V (75-200 V/cm). A run for 5-10 min can separate up to ten different proteins in the O.Ol~-5 pg sample, and the results are clearly displayed without any need for protein staining. In this, the technique is equivalent to HPLC. The volume describes the application of electrophoresis to cell mixtures so that RBCs of rabbit, dog and man can be easily separated. The technique is also applied to lymphocytes, and for the better matching of donor kidneys to a recipient. All those using the techniques of electrophoresis will find this book stimulating and helpful. Biomineralization and biological metal accumulation. Biological and geological perspectives-edited by P. Westbroek and E. W. de Jong. 533~~. 1983. Reidel. Dordrecht and Kluwer Boston, Hingham, MA. This is the published proceedings of the Fourth Internatlonal Symposium on Biomineralization. The GAIA hypothesis that certain properties of the atmosphere are actively maintained by the biota for the biota, helps explain the dynamically stable anomalous atmospheric composition. modulated alkalinities, and temperatures at the earth surface over the last 3.5 billion years. The theory has been extended to include the composition of the lower atmosphere, and the surface sediments. Part 1 of the book discusses global cycling and biomineralization in terms of the GAIA theory: composition of sea water, carbonate- silicate sedimentary system, calcification and atmospheric carbon dioxide, distribution and geological history of calcium carbonate boring microorganisms. Part II deals with aspects of calcification from the mitochondrion to the mollusc shell. egg shell and enamel on teeth. Part 111 is
Book reviews concerned with the biological accumulation of metals other than calcium, such as Si, Fe, Mn and Au, their detection and localization. The volume with its 50 chapters provides an excellent account of the self-organizing mineralization system interacting in the geological and biological environment.
Mammalian semiochemistry: the investigation of chemical signals between mammals-by ERIC S. ALBONE. 360~~. 1984. John Wiley, Chichester. E29.50. The Greek word for sign or signal is semeion, and the present book deals with how animals interact by means of chemical signals. The term will include pheromones but is a wider one that also includes chemical ecology. The subject has developed its own terminology so that allelochemics are semiochemicals mediating interaction between organisms of different species. whilst homeochemics are those mediating interaction between the same species. Allomones are chemicals favouring the emitting species (floral scent attracting pollinating insect) whilst kairomones favour the receiving species (predators attracted by the smell of the food plant or prey). Mammalian skin produces a wide range of chemicals. Sweat from the shirt of a young man can contain Cl8 and Cl9 steroids in microgram quantities (androsterone 71 pg: etiocholanone 44 pg: dihydro-epiandrosterone 30 pg). 90% of the steroids were in the free form and the other 10% were conjugated. The skin is a major excretion route for steroids and can indicate the internal endocrine state of the animal. In addition skin produces squalene, aliphatic monesters, mono and diglycerides, triglycerides and free fatty acids. Human skin synthesizes over 200 different fatty acids, possibly to allow a distinct “chemical signature for each individual”. Many mammals have developed specialized scent glands that are used in mating and territorial behaviour. The chemistry of these glands and their glandular secretions are being investigated and this volume describes what is at present known about this, as well as the chemicals secreted in the urine, reproductive tract, breath and saliva. In addition. microorganisms play an important role in the processing of chemicals in anal sacs, faeces, mouth, vagina, axilla and skin, and this is described. There is also a chapter written by Stephen Shirley on mammalian chemoreception. The book is well written and presented, and provides an excellent introduction to what will clearly be a very important subject. Not to be sniffed at!
Aging and cell function-edited 1984. Plenum Press, New York.
by J. E. JOHNSON. 283~~. $42.50.
This volume contains five chapters: (1) Evolutionary biology of ageing and longevity in mammalian species; (2) Receptors and ageing; (3) Metabolism of the brain, a measure of cellular function in ageing; (4) Age-related alteration in Beta-adrenergic modulation of cardiac cell function; (5) A systems analysis-thermodynamic view of cellular and organismic ageing. Though all the chapters arc of considerable interest, the first chapter will be of special interest to readers of this journal. In Man the maximum life span of 95 years has not apparently changed over the last 12,000 years, but the age to which 50% of the population survives has increased dramatically from the age of 35 in Classical Greece, to 48 in 15th Century England, 61 in USA (1900) to 72 in USA (1970). The maximum age potential of birds varies from Blue tit (9 years). European Robin (I 2), Swift (21), Herring Gull (36) and Royal Albatross (45). There is a relationship between the metabolic rate of an animal, its size and its potential life span. It is possible that metabolism leading to heat production is more ageing than metabolism producing kinetic energy.
947
Prevention of sexual maturity by removal of rats’ pituitary or castration also prolongs the life span. Restricted calorific diet can increase the life span of rats from 835 days to 1138 days, with a corresponding delay in the onset of sexual maturity (from 300 days to 1000 days). Natural antioxidants such as SOD, catalase, urate, alphatocopherol and carotenoids can all play a part in extending Ihe life span of a species. This is only part of the story and the reader will find a very interesting account of some of the factors that contribute to ageing and the duration of life span in this volume. Skeletal muscle handbook of physiology. by L. D. PEACHEY, R. H. ADRIAN and S. 1983. Distributed by Williams&Wilkins, for The American Physiological Society.
Section lo-edited R. GEIGER. 688 pp. Maryland, U.S.A. $145.
The volume has 4 main sections: (1) Structure; (2) Contraction; (3) Excitation-Contraction coupling; (4) Specialization, Adaptation and Disease. There are 20 chapters and 27 authors. The big changes that have taken place over the past 10 years are the improved resolution of scanning and transmission EM pictures of muscle, and the development of freeze fracture and high voltage EM, so that the structure of muscle fibres, the fibre ends, neuromuscular junction, muscle membranes and organelles are much clearer and better known. Immuno-histochemical techniques have allowed the location of fast twitch and slow twitch myosin, C protein, troponin and aldolase, within the muscle fibres. X-ray diffraction studies on living muscle still provides the best method of high resolution analysis of changes in skeletal muscle during various stages of contraction. Time resolved mechanical measurements on single muscle fibre contraction have demonstrated at least four separate dynamic steps in the cycle of cross bridge action. The role of surface depolarization, calcium entry and pH changes in inducing muscle contraction are being analysed with optical probes and the picture is not yet clear. The volume provides a comprehensive account of the state of the subject up to 1982. It is well illustrated with EM pictures, graphs and diagrams and there are excellent reference lists at the end of each chapter. The volume is written with the specialist in mind. It would help the less specialized reader if there were detailed factual summaries that presented what is new and what remains to be done, at the end of each chapter. Possibly this can be done in the next edition. Cystic fibrosis~--edited by D. LAWSON. 446 pp. 1984. John Wiley, Chichester. f15. This is the proceedings of the 9th International CF Congress. CF is a disease of secretory epithelia. It is common amongst Caucasians (one in two thousand children born have CF) and less common in Blacks and Orientals. It is probably inherited through an autosomal recessive factor. The sweat has an increased salinity due to reduced chloride permeability of the epithelial cells lining the sweat gland. The mucus has an increased viscosity and this affects the respiratory tract. some salivary glands, digestive and bilary tracts, pancreas and genito-urinary tract. Pancreatic insufficiency and respiratory infection are secondary effects. The respiratory tract tends to become infected with a mucoid variety of P.wudon~onas orruginosa, which can lead to pulmonary insufficiency and death. Though it is possible to treat patients with percussive massage of the chest to loosen the mucus. a self-treatment regime can be set up involving forced expiration, postural drainage, percussion and ventilation with chest compression. The genetic basis of this disease is not known. nor is the molecular lesion underlying the production of thick mucus