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Leukotrienes and prostanoids in health and diseases
Book Reviews glands; the int genes and proto-oncogenes; regulation of tissue specific casein gene expression; H23 breast tumor antigen; epithelial mucins); breast cancer detection and therapy (radiation therapy; surgical strategies; chemotherapy; anticancer drug resistance; multi drug resistance); laboratory and clinical research interface (mammary carcinogenesis; steroid receptors; estrogen induced cathepsin D; pre-invasive carcinoma; role of diet; breast cancer vaccine; monoclonal antibody therapy). Lecfins--N. Sharon and H. Lis. 127pp. 1989. Chapman and Hall, London. $51. Lectins are a group of proteins that bind to carbohydrates and can agglutinate cells or precipitate polysaccharides and glycoproteins. These agglutinating and precipitating properties are very similar to those of antibodies. Lectins are not of immune origin and are found in most forms from viruses, bacteria, plants and animals. This book deals with lectin history; occurrence and isolation; biological activities; carbohydrate specificity; molecular properties; three dimensional structures; biosynthesis; applications; lectin resistant cells; functions in nature.
209
explanations taking a page or half a page; these include items on AIDS; active transport; assimilation; through to tetanus toxin; thymus. These help the volume become more like a concise encyclopedia. Human Drug Kinetics; A Course of Simnlnted Experiments--Edited by L. Saunders, D. Ingram and S. H. D. Jackson. 261 pp. 1989. IRL/Oxford University Press, Oxford. Paper $35. This is the text for a course on Personal Computer experiments on; drug kinetic theory; single intravenous dose experiments; single oral and intramuscular dose experiments; continuous or multiple dose experiments; sustained release; capacity limited metabolism; pharmakokinetics in diseased states; doses, responses and regimes with different subjects. There are appendices on; mathematical supplement to drug kinetic theory; properties of drugs; subject factors; mathematical models; drug files; subject files. The required software for an IBM-PC system is available, at an extra cost, to run these experiments. Students working through this course will certainly have a greater understanding of the subject especially since they can also do the "what if?" experiment that would not be too ethical on a human subject.
Textbook of Hemodialysis for Patient Care Personnel-M. A. Newberry. 593pp. 1989. Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, IL. $80.75.
Analytical Profiles of Drug Substances. Vol. 18--Edited by K. Florey. 646 pp. 1989. Academic Press, San Diego. $69.95.
Hemodialysis (H) produces profound physiological changes in the patient and this book provides the background to understand these changes. The chapters are on; history of H; end stage renal disease; body water and electrolytes; renal anatomy and physiology; acute renal failure; chronic renal failure; principles of H; H systems and technology; water and dialysate standards and chemistry; vascular access; H technique; maintenance H. The book will be very useful to all those involved in H or wish to know more about H.
This series of volumes gives drug profiles. Each drug is described; name; formulae; chemical abstract registry number; physical appearance; crystal appearance; spectra; synthesis; pharmacology; toxicity; pharmacokinetics; methods of analysis. This volume deals with azintamide, chlorothiazide, clioquinol, clofazamine, etoposide, furosamide, nalorphine, nifedipine, physostigmine, prazocin, tetracaine, thiamine, thioridazine, thiothixene, cyloserine, and fluorouracil.
Pulmonary Physiology; Fetus, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, 2nd Edn--Edited by E. M. Scarpelli. 500pp. 1989. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia. $89.50. The chapters in this book deal with; respiration before birth; lung cells from embryo to maturity; extracellular matrix in developing lung; developmental biochemistry of alveoli; developmental immunology of the lung; pulmonary molecular biology; metabolic activity of vascular endothelium; mechanical defence mechanisms; pulmonary solute and liquid balance; normal pulmonary circulation; pulmonary mechanics and ventilation; oxygen diffusion and transport; NMR of the lung; pulmonary renal relationship and acid base balance; respiratory regulation in the newborn; developmental physiology of respiratory control; micromechanits of onset of air breathing at birth; pulmonary physiology of newborn infant; pulmonary function from infancy through adolescence; pulmonary function testing; lung development and subsequent function in the adult. The material has been brought up to date in this new edition, and there is greater emphasis on the molecular biology of the lung. An excellent text on pediatric pulmonary physiology.
Chambers Biology Dictionary--Edited by P. C. M. B. Walker. 324pp. 1989. Chambers/Cambridge University Press. Cloth $34.50; Paper $14.95. The book defines 10,000 terms, and has many entries on molecular biology, genetics, immunology, ecology, radiology and statistics. There are over a hundred longer
Leukotrienes and Lipoxygenases; Chemical, Biological and Clinical Aspect~Edited by J. Rokach. 518 pp. 1989. Elsevier, Amsterdam. D.FI 360, $189.50. Who would have thought that Feldberg and Krayer's work in 1939 on the slow releasing substance (SRS) that appeared from lungs perfused with cobra venom, and which could cause smooth muscle to contract, would lead to the prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and prostacyclin?. Later work showed that SRS-A was released during allergic reactions and that it was a series of metabolites of arachidonic acid. The enzymes carrying out this metabolism were lipoxygenases which insert molecular oxygen at different sites on arachidonic acid. This volume has chapters on the chemistry of leukotrienes (L); biochemistry of the L pathways; assay methods for L products; pharmacology and pathophysiology of L; L in diseased states; enzyme inhibitors and L receptor antagonists. The action of L on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, skin, eyes and GI tract, and inflammation make them key chemicals in modern medicine and their role is well described in this volume. Leukotrienes and Prostanoids in Health and Diseases-Edited by U. Zor, Z. Naor and A, Danon. 345 pp. 1989. Karger, Basel. S.Fr 329 $213.50. The metabolities of arachidonic acid, leukotrienes (L) and prostanoids (P) are implicated as mediators in allergic and inflammatory responses, asthma, anaphylaxis, shock myocardial infarction, and stroke. Research on the cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2 regulation by protein kinase C has led to the development of drugs that inhibit the biosynthesis of L and P and so can be used in the
210
Book Reviews
treatment of clinical conditions. This volume contains the procoedings of the 2nd International Conference held in Jerusalem.
Cutaneous Lymphoma--Edited by W. A. van Vloten, R. WiUemze, G. L. Vejlsgaard and K. Thomsen. 268 pp. 1989. Karger, Basel. S.Fr 248, DM 297. $165.50.
Antigenic Determinants and Immune Regniation--Edited by E. Sercarz. 189 pp. 1989. Karger, Basel. $99.50.
The identification of the large hyperchromatic coil with its convoluted nucleus has become diagnostic of the T-cell lymphoma, Application of nitrogen mustard or total skin electron irradiation has led to a high percentage of five year survivals. New treatments such as photopheresis, monoclonal antibodies and new chemotherapeutics give hope for the future. The main sections of this book are on cell biology and pathogenesis; diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma; spectrum of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas; pseudolymphomas; cutaneous B-cell lymphomas; therapy and prognosis factors.
Protein antigens are responsible for antigenicity (determinants reactive with the antibody) and immunogenicity (determinants that activate R coils). This volume deals with the antigens; T clones and monoclonal antibodies; the major histocompatability complex; insulin determinant recognition; encephalogenic epitopes of myelin basic protein; mammalian reovirus; murine alloantigens and their suppression; immune dominance. The balance between under reaction, reaction and over reaction of the immune response is described. Radiation Tolerance of Normal Tissue--Edited by J. M. Vaeth and J. L. Meyer. 443 pp. 1989. Karger. Basel. S.Fr 384. $256. Radiation treatment for cancer depends on cancerous cells having a greater sensitivity to radiation than normal tissue. This volume surveys the evidence concerning the radiation sensitivity of tissues and the implication of this data for cancer therapy. If one considers the tolerance to a single dose, the values in Gy are 2-6 lymphoid, ovary; 2-10 bone marrow, testes, eye, lung, intestine; 10-20 connective tissue, colorectal, kidney; 15-20 heart, liver, skin, peripheral nerve, spinal cord, brain; > 30 bone and cartilage, muscle. Fraction doses are higher, i.e. brain 60-70 Gy. This book will interest all those involved in radiation treatment.
The Neuropharmacologieal Basis of Reward--Edited by J. M. Liebman and S. J. Cooper. 433 pp. 1989. Oxford University Press. $75. Olds showed in 1954 that when the posterior medial forebrain bundle of the lateral hypothalamus (the "pleasure centre") was stimulated in the conscious rat, it led to intense gratification of the rat. This led to a series of experiments on intracranial self stimulation (ICSS) and the effects of drugs on this behaviour. Drugs can be used as reinforcers of ICSS and this has led to insight into the nature of the natural transmitters in these pathways. The book deals with the anatomy of the ICSS system; the pharmacology of ICSS; transmitters and ICSS; operant behaviour and ICSS: the brain and reward; and reviews a very interesting and intriguing part of neuropharmacological behaviour.
209
explanations taking a page or half a page; these include items on AIDS; active transport; assimilation; through to tetanus toxin; thymus. These help the volume become more like a concise encyclopedia. Human Drug Kinetics; A Course of Simnlnted Experiments--Edited by L. Saunders, D. Ingram and S. H. D. Jackson. 261 pp. 1989. IRL/Oxford University Press, Oxford. Paper $35. This is the text for a course on Personal Computer experiments on; drug kinetic theory; single intravenous dose experiments; single oral and intramuscular dose experiments; continuous or multiple dose experiments; sustained release; capacity limited metabolism; pharmakokinetics in diseased states; doses, responses and regimes with different subjects. There are appendices on; mathematical supplement to drug kinetic theory; properties of drugs; subject factors; mathematical models; drug files; subject files. The required software for an IBM-PC system is available, at an extra cost, to run these experiments. Students working through this course will certainly have a greater understanding of the subject especially since they can also do the "what if?" experiment that would not be too ethical on a human subject.
Textbook of Hemodialysis for Patient Care Personnel-M. A. Newberry. 593pp. 1989. Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, IL. $80.75.
Analytical Profiles of Drug Substances. Vol. 18--Edited by K. Florey. 646 pp. 1989. Academic Press, San Diego. $69.95.
Hemodialysis (H) produces profound physiological changes in the patient and this book provides the background to understand these changes. The chapters are on; history of H; end stage renal disease; body water and electrolytes; renal anatomy and physiology; acute renal failure; chronic renal failure; principles of H; H systems and technology; water and dialysate standards and chemistry; vascular access; H technique; maintenance H. The book will be very useful to all those involved in H or wish to know more about H.
This series of volumes gives drug profiles. Each drug is described; name; formulae; chemical abstract registry number; physical appearance; crystal appearance; spectra; synthesis; pharmacology; toxicity; pharmacokinetics; methods of analysis. This volume deals with azintamide, chlorothiazide, clioquinol, clofazamine, etoposide, furosamide, nalorphine, nifedipine, physostigmine, prazocin, tetracaine, thiamine, thioridazine, thiothixene, cyloserine, and fluorouracil.
Pulmonary Physiology; Fetus, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, 2nd Edn--Edited by E. M. Scarpelli. 500pp. 1989. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia. $89.50. The chapters in this book deal with; respiration before birth; lung cells from embryo to maturity; extracellular matrix in developing lung; developmental biochemistry of alveoli; developmental immunology of the lung; pulmonary molecular biology; metabolic activity of vascular endothelium; mechanical defence mechanisms; pulmonary solute and liquid balance; normal pulmonary circulation; pulmonary mechanics and ventilation; oxygen diffusion and transport; NMR of the lung; pulmonary renal relationship and acid base balance; respiratory regulation in the newborn; developmental physiology of respiratory control; micromechanits of onset of air breathing at birth; pulmonary physiology of newborn infant; pulmonary function from infancy through adolescence; pulmonary function testing; lung development and subsequent function in the adult. The material has been brought up to date in this new edition, and there is greater emphasis on the molecular biology of the lung. An excellent text on pediatric pulmonary physiology.
Chambers Biology Dictionary--Edited by P. C. M. B. Walker. 324pp. 1989. Chambers/Cambridge University Press. Cloth $34.50; Paper $14.95. The book defines 10,000 terms, and has many entries on molecular biology, genetics, immunology, ecology, radiology and statistics. There are over a hundred longer
Leukotrienes and Lipoxygenases; Chemical, Biological and Clinical Aspect~Edited by J. Rokach. 518 pp. 1989. Elsevier, Amsterdam. D.FI 360, $189.50. Who would have thought that Feldberg and Krayer's work in 1939 on the slow releasing substance (SRS) that appeared from lungs perfused with cobra venom, and which could cause smooth muscle to contract, would lead to the prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and prostacyclin?. Later work showed that SRS-A was released during allergic reactions and that it was a series of metabolites of arachidonic acid. The enzymes carrying out this metabolism were lipoxygenases which insert molecular oxygen at different sites on arachidonic acid. This volume has chapters on the chemistry of leukotrienes (L); biochemistry of the L pathways; assay methods for L products; pharmacology and pathophysiology of L; L in diseased states; enzyme inhibitors and L receptor antagonists. The action of L on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, skin, eyes and GI tract, and inflammation make them key chemicals in modern medicine and their role is well described in this volume. Leukotrienes and Prostanoids in Health and Diseases-Edited by U. Zor, Z. Naor and A, Danon. 345 pp. 1989. Karger, Basel. S.Fr 329 $213.50. The metabolities of arachidonic acid, leukotrienes (L) and prostanoids (P) are implicated as mediators in allergic and inflammatory responses, asthma, anaphylaxis, shock myocardial infarction, and stroke. Research on the cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2 regulation by protein kinase C has led to the development of drugs that inhibit the biosynthesis of L and P and so can be used in the
210
Book Reviews
treatment of clinical conditions. This volume contains the procoedings of the 2nd International Conference held in Jerusalem.
Cutaneous Lymphoma--Edited by W. A. van Vloten, R. WiUemze, G. L. Vejlsgaard and K. Thomsen. 268 pp. 1989. Karger, Basel. S.Fr 248, DM 297. $165.50.
Antigenic Determinants and Immune Regniation--Edited by E. Sercarz. 189 pp. 1989. Karger, Basel. $99.50.
The identification of the large hyperchromatic coil with its convoluted nucleus has become diagnostic of the T-cell lymphoma, Application of nitrogen mustard or total skin electron irradiation has led to a high percentage of five year survivals. New treatments such as photopheresis, monoclonal antibodies and new chemotherapeutics give hope for the future. The main sections of this book are on cell biology and pathogenesis; diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma; spectrum of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas; pseudolymphomas; cutaneous B-cell lymphomas; therapy and prognosis factors.
Protein antigens are responsible for antigenicity (determinants reactive with the antibody) and immunogenicity (determinants that activate R coils). This volume deals with the antigens; T clones and monoclonal antibodies; the major histocompatability complex; insulin determinant recognition; encephalogenic epitopes of myelin basic protein; mammalian reovirus; murine alloantigens and their suppression; immune dominance. The balance between under reaction, reaction and over reaction of the immune response is described. Radiation Tolerance of Normal Tissue--Edited by J. M. Vaeth and J. L. Meyer. 443 pp. 1989. Karger. Basel. S.Fr 384. $256. Radiation treatment for cancer depends on cancerous cells having a greater sensitivity to radiation than normal tissue. This volume surveys the evidence concerning the radiation sensitivity of tissues and the implication of this data for cancer therapy. If one considers the tolerance to a single dose, the values in Gy are 2-6 lymphoid, ovary; 2-10 bone marrow, testes, eye, lung, intestine; 10-20 connective tissue, colorectal, kidney; 15-20 heart, liver, skin, peripheral nerve, spinal cord, brain; > 30 bone and cartilage, muscle. Fraction doses are higher, i.e. brain 60-70 Gy. This book will interest all those involved in radiation treatment.
The Neuropharmacologieal Basis of Reward--Edited by J. M. Liebman and S. J. Cooper. 433 pp. 1989. Oxford University Press. $75. Olds showed in 1954 that when the posterior medial forebrain bundle of the lateral hypothalamus (the "pleasure centre") was stimulated in the conscious rat, it led to intense gratification of the rat. This led to a series of experiments on intracranial self stimulation (ICSS) and the effects of drugs on this behaviour. Drugs can be used as reinforcers of ICSS and this has led to insight into the nature of the natural transmitters in these pathways. The book deals with the anatomy of the ICSS system; the pharmacology of ICSS; transmitters and ICSS; operant behaviour and ICSS: the brain and reward; and reviews a very interesting and intriguing part of neuropharmacological behaviour.