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Methods in pharmacology. Volume 5. Myocardial biology
798
Book reviews
This well written and presented multi-author work provides an excellent account of the problems associated with diving and hyperbaric environments, and could be read with benefit by all educated scuba divers. Regression of atherosclerotic lesions. Experimental studies and observations in humans. NATO AS1 series A. Life sciences. Volume 79-Edited by M. R, MALINOW and V. H. SLATON.
elastmlysine cross-links in relation to emphysema), respiratory tract and carotid body. It also discusses whether people Iiving with smokers will suffer any of the smoker’s symptoms. At present the evidence is weak. i.e. the passive smoker is not liable to materiaf risk of serious disease provided the he is initially healthy. The volume will interest all those who have to deal with smokers and those working on respiratory physiology.
355 pp. 1984. Plenum Press. New York. $52.50. Hormonal
Atherogenesis is the result of the interaction of lipoproteins with the artery wall cells and their matrix products to produce plaque. The components of plaque are the necrotic cholesteryl ester rich core and the fibrous cap which contains smooth muscle cells often encased in their own sytnthesis of coilagen. elastin and proteogiycans. If the artery endothelium is damaged, platelets stick to the damaged surface and release a platelet growth factor which stimulates smooth muscle cells to proliferate. Elevated Iow density lipoprotein levels in the plasma leads to deposition of LDL on these platelet/smooth muscle sites. Luckily, it is also possible for atheroma to regress and this volume describes animal model systems in mankeys showing the development and regression of atheroma. It also gives detailed consideration to atheroma in man and the extent to which controlled conditions can lead to atheroma regression. Methods in pharmacology.
Volume 5. Myocardial
Biology--
Edited by A. STHWARTZ.235 pp. 1984. Plenum Press. New York. 1542.50. Thirteen different procedures are described: (I) Isolation of canine cardiac sarcalemma vesicles; (2) isolation of sarcolemma vesicles from smooth muscle: (3) Isolation of cardiac mitochondria: (4) Purification of calcium-ATPase from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum; (5) Functional properties of sarcoplasmic reticulum: (6) Regulation of free calcium ion concentration by metal chelators; (7) Cardiac autonomic receptors by ligand binding; (8) Calcium fluxes in muscle; (9) Isolated perfused or superfused heart preparations; (IO) Derived indices of myocardial function in isolated work performing hearts; (I f ) Isolation and characterization of plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins: (12) Cardiac and vascular measurements in conscious and anaesthetised animals: (13) Application of NMR to study of myocardial metabolism and pharmacology. Each chapter provides practical details on how to carry out the required procedure. In addition. sampIe results are given together with a detailed bibliography for further reading. The chapters assume at least graduate level or even a post-graduate level of practical skill and experience. Possibly, it would have been helpful if a section was included indicating what are the usual faults or what to do if things don’t work! Smoking
and the lung-Edited by G. GUMMINGand G. pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $82.
BONSIGNORE.504
Cigarette smoke contains more than 3000 compounds, many of which are potentially poisonous or carcinogenic. Of particular interest are the nitrosamines, benopyrenes, nicotine, carbon monoxide and acrofein. Smokers have a higher incidence of cancer of the lung, lips, tongue, mouth, pharanx, aesophagus, pancreas and urinary tract than non-smokers. in addition they are subject to cardiovascular diseases. pulmonary diseases (e.g. bronchitis. airflow limitation, infections, tuberculosis and asthma). immunological suppression, etc. The present volume, based on a meeting held in Sicily, describes the different effects of smoke and smoking on the lung, (alveolar macrophage activity. proteases and anti-proteases,
control
of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal
axis--Edited by K. W. MCKERNSand Z. NAOR. 622 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $85.
pp.
This is the published proceedings of the International Foundation for Biochemical endocrinology, held in the Weitmann Institute, Israel. The main sections were; Nemoendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion; Moiecufar aspects of GnRH biosynthesis, release and degradation; GnRH receptors and action in the pituitary; Secretory processes in the pituitary; Gonadotropin antagonists; Endocrine regulation of ovarian functions; Prolactin; Hormones and gene expression: Regulation of testicular function; Extra-pituitary effects of GnRH: Interaction of opiates and gonadotropin% GnRH analogs: clinical uses in- the management of ‘fertility and cancer. The volume will be of interest to those working in the subject. It would have even greater value if the editors could have included an integrative chapter showing the main advances in the subject since the last symposium, and what gaps are likely to be filled in the near future. This is a diflicult task but one that wouId give “symposium” volumes a greater impact. lolngy of menopause: t%e causes and consequences of ovarian ageing-R. G. C&DEN. 188 pp. 1985. Academic Press, London. $37.50, f29. With the increase in age of the population many more women reach the menopause. In Scotland the number of women reaching post menopausal age (i.e. older than 49 years) has increased three-fold since 1871. Menopause can occur at ages from 42 to 59 years and the age at which 50% of women in the U&A, reach menopause (median age) is 49.8 years. This value differs with racial type, state of nutrition and smoking. Smoking IS-24 cigarettes a day reduces the menopausal age from a control age of 49.4 to an age of 47.6 years. This book discusses the above data; the role of oestrogen; the foilicnlar store; the ovarian clock fertility in middle age: somatic, metabolic and behavioural consequences of the menopause; and hormone replacement therapy. In the post menopausal years there is an increased risk of bone decalcification and those women who have their menopause at an early age, who are slimly built and smoke would seem good candidates for hormone replacement therapy, The reader will fmd an interesting balanced account of the menopause and it should stimulate further research on this important subject. Clinical ROSALKI.
biochemistry
of
alcoholiim-Edited
by
S.
B.
305 pp. 1984. Churchill Livingstone, London.
562. A statistical increase in cirrhosis of the liver is seen with 5 years intake of 60-8Og ethanol a day in man. This is equivalent to daily drinking 3-4 pints of beer. 6-8 glasses of wine or sherry or 3-4 large gins. in women, the dose required is 204Og a day. Fetal alcohol syndrome is seen where the maternal intake is 60g a day. Other symptoms seen in alcoholics are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. Gl bleeding. hepatomegaly, jaundice, palpitation. dyspnoea, hypertension, muscle weakness, gout,
Book reviews
This well written and presented multi-author work provides an excellent account of the problems associated with diving and hyperbaric environments, and could be read with benefit by all educated scuba divers. Regression of atherosclerotic lesions. Experimental studies and observations in humans. NATO AS1 series A. Life sciences. Volume 79-Edited by M. R, MALINOW and V. H. SLATON.
elastmlysine cross-links in relation to emphysema), respiratory tract and carotid body. It also discusses whether people Iiving with smokers will suffer any of the smoker’s symptoms. At present the evidence is weak. i.e. the passive smoker is not liable to materiaf risk of serious disease provided the he is initially healthy. The volume will interest all those who have to deal with smokers and those working on respiratory physiology.
355 pp. 1984. Plenum Press. New York. $52.50. Hormonal
Atherogenesis is the result of the interaction of lipoproteins with the artery wall cells and their matrix products to produce plaque. The components of plaque are the necrotic cholesteryl ester rich core and the fibrous cap which contains smooth muscle cells often encased in their own sytnthesis of coilagen. elastin and proteogiycans. If the artery endothelium is damaged, platelets stick to the damaged surface and release a platelet growth factor which stimulates smooth muscle cells to proliferate. Elevated Iow density lipoprotein levels in the plasma leads to deposition of LDL on these platelet/smooth muscle sites. Luckily, it is also possible for atheroma to regress and this volume describes animal model systems in mankeys showing the development and regression of atheroma. It also gives detailed consideration to atheroma in man and the extent to which controlled conditions can lead to atheroma regression. Methods in pharmacology.
Volume 5. Myocardial
Biology--
Edited by A. STHWARTZ.235 pp. 1984. Plenum Press. New York. 1542.50. Thirteen different procedures are described: (I) Isolation of canine cardiac sarcalemma vesicles; (2) isolation of sarcolemma vesicles from smooth muscle: (3) Isolation of cardiac mitochondria: (4) Purification of calcium-ATPase from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum; (5) Functional properties of sarcoplasmic reticulum: (6) Regulation of free calcium ion concentration by metal chelators; (7) Cardiac autonomic receptors by ligand binding; (8) Calcium fluxes in muscle; (9) Isolated perfused or superfused heart preparations; (IO) Derived indices of myocardial function in isolated work performing hearts; (I f ) Isolation and characterization of plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins: (12) Cardiac and vascular measurements in conscious and anaesthetised animals: (13) Application of NMR to study of myocardial metabolism and pharmacology. Each chapter provides practical details on how to carry out the required procedure. In addition. sampIe results are given together with a detailed bibliography for further reading. The chapters assume at least graduate level or even a post-graduate level of practical skill and experience. Possibly, it would have been helpful if a section was included indicating what are the usual faults or what to do if things don’t work! Smoking
and the lung-Edited by G. GUMMINGand G. pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $82.
BONSIGNORE.504
Cigarette smoke contains more than 3000 compounds, many of which are potentially poisonous or carcinogenic. Of particular interest are the nitrosamines, benopyrenes, nicotine, carbon monoxide and acrofein. Smokers have a higher incidence of cancer of the lung, lips, tongue, mouth, pharanx, aesophagus, pancreas and urinary tract than non-smokers. in addition they are subject to cardiovascular diseases. pulmonary diseases (e.g. bronchitis. airflow limitation, infections, tuberculosis and asthma). immunological suppression, etc. The present volume, based on a meeting held in Sicily, describes the different effects of smoke and smoking on the lung, (alveolar macrophage activity. proteases and anti-proteases,
control
of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal
axis--Edited by K. W. MCKERNSand Z. NAOR. 622 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $85.
pp.
This is the published proceedings of the International Foundation for Biochemical endocrinology, held in the Weitmann Institute, Israel. The main sections were; Nemoendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion; Moiecufar aspects of GnRH biosynthesis, release and degradation; GnRH receptors and action in the pituitary; Secretory processes in the pituitary; Gonadotropin antagonists; Endocrine regulation of ovarian functions; Prolactin; Hormones and gene expression: Regulation of testicular function; Extra-pituitary effects of GnRH: Interaction of opiates and gonadotropin% GnRH analogs: clinical uses in- the management of ‘fertility and cancer. The volume will be of interest to those working in the subject. It would have even greater value if the editors could have included an integrative chapter showing the main advances in the subject since the last symposium, and what gaps are likely to be filled in the near future. This is a diflicult task but one that wouId give “symposium” volumes a greater impact. lolngy of menopause: t%e causes and consequences of ovarian ageing-R. G. C&DEN. 188 pp. 1985. Academic Press, London. $37.50, f29. With the increase in age of the population many more women reach the menopause. In Scotland the number of women reaching post menopausal age (i.e. older than 49 years) has increased three-fold since 1871. Menopause can occur at ages from 42 to 59 years and the age at which 50% of women in the U&A, reach menopause (median age) is 49.8 years. This value differs with racial type, state of nutrition and smoking. Smoking IS-24 cigarettes a day reduces the menopausal age from a control age of 49.4 to an age of 47.6 years. This book discusses the above data; the role of oestrogen; the foilicnlar store; the ovarian clock fertility in middle age: somatic, metabolic and behavioural consequences of the menopause; and hormone replacement therapy. In the post menopausal years there is an increased risk of bone decalcification and those women who have their menopause at an early age, who are slimly built and smoke would seem good candidates for hormone replacement therapy, The reader will fmd an interesting balanced account of the menopause and it should stimulate further research on this important subject. Clinical ROSALKI.
biochemistry
of
alcoholiim-Edited
by
S.
B.
305 pp. 1984. Churchill Livingstone, London.
562. A statistical increase in cirrhosis of the liver is seen with 5 years intake of 60-8Og ethanol a day in man. This is equivalent to daily drinking 3-4 pints of beer. 6-8 glasses of wine or sherry or 3-4 large gins. in women, the dose required is 204Og a day. Fetal alcohol syndrome is seen where the maternal intake is 60g a day. Other symptoms seen in alcoholics are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. Gl bleeding. hepatomegaly, jaundice, palpitation. dyspnoea, hypertension, muscle weakness, gout,