Methods of enzymatic analysis Vol. IX: proteins and peptides

Methods of enzymatic analysis Vol. IX: proteins and peptides

404 Of the material presented, the chapter on monitoring is of most immeiiate interest to analytical chemists, and covers in detail the establishment...

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Of the material presented, the chapter on monitoring is of most immeiiate interest to analytical chemists, and covers in detail the establishment of environmental monitoring programmes (particularly sampling techniques) for air, water, soil and sediments, remote sensing and several case studies are also included. The price is a little high, but this book is nonetheless recommended reading for any chemist with an interest in environmental issues. P. J. Worsfold P. M. Lonn (Ed.), Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 124, Academic Press, Orlando FL, 1986 (ISBN o-12-182024-6). 679 pp. Price $77.50. One of the most exciting developments in pharmaceutical chemistry has been the advances which have occurred with the neuroendocrine peptides. Perhaps the best known examples of these neuropeptides are the enkephalins and the endorphins which exert morphine-like actions. This current volume of Methods in Enzymology provides an invaluable experimental basis for investigating many of these peptides. It should be indispensable for all those who work in pharmaceutical laboratories, whether these be in industry or academia. There are some 41 separate articles covering five separate sections: the longest section covers the measurement of the various neuroendocrine substances including the genes which are responsible for coding for many of the polypeptide hormones. There are shorter sections on the preparation of chemical probes and the equipment and technology which are involved with these studies. There is a short section on the preparation and maintenance of biological materials which would be helpful in just a few specialized instances and the final section covers a miscellaneous collection of techniques aimed at the localization of the neuroendocrine substances. Altogether, this is a highly specialized techniques volume which will give valuable insight into those areas which are as yet peripheral to the principal interests of those people who are already involved in neuroendocrine research. Colin Ratledl;e H. U. Bergmeyer (Editor-in-Chief), Methods of Enzymatic Analysis Vol. IX: Proteins and Peptides, VCH, Weinheim, FRG, 1986 (ISBN 3-527-26049-8). xxv + 571 pp. Price DM 310. This book is one of twelve volumes in the recently revised and expanded third edition of Bergmeyer’s “Methods of Enzymatic Analysis”. As with the previous English editions (1963 and 1974), the third edition is clearly written, well presented and contains a wealth of information on practical aspects of enzymatic analysis.

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Volume IX on proteins and peptides is one of several volumes in the latest edition to cover applications based on the technique of enzyme immunoassay. There is a useful introductory chapter, with the section on practical considerations in enzyme immunoassays being particularly recommended for readers unfamiliar with the technique. An ELISA procedure for the proteinase inhibitor aprotinin is used as a model system and all of the steps in the development of the assay are discussed. The other four chapters cover the determination of particular proteins within the following group areas: transport proteins (6 applications), carcinoembryonic and pregnancy proteins (4 applications), structural and regulatory proteins (12 applications) and hormonal proteins and peptides (15 applications). Each of the applications is written by experts in that particular field but the editors have managed to achieve a uniform presentation of information throughout the volume, and indeed the series. For each determination Lhere is a general introduction, details of the assay procedure, a method validation and an appendix. This volume therefore provides en excellent reference source for laboratories involved in the determination of proteins and peptides by enzyme immunoassay procedures, and the twelve volume series is recommended for its comprehensive coverage of enzymatic analysis. H. U. Bergmeyer (Editor-in-Chief), Methods of Enzymatic Analysis Vol. X: Antigens and Antibodies 1. VCH, Weinheim, FRG, 1986 (ISBN 3-52726050-1). xxii + 509 pp. Price: (single volume) di115.00, (series subscription) 584.00. This is another of the twelve volumes that constitute the third edition of Bergmeyer’s “Methods of Enzymatic Analysis”. The new edition has been extensively revised and expanded, and includes two volumes (X and XI) on the topic of enzyme immunoassays. Previous editions have provided clear and comprehensive coverage of enzymatic methods, with particular emphasis on practical considerations, and this volume is in the same category . The methodologies described in this particular volume are all based on solid phase immunoassays, either competitive binding enzyme immunoassays or sandwich assays. The introduction outlines the rapid growth of enzyme immunoassay techniques over the last decade and emphasises the need for a standardized approach, e.g. in terms of methodology, the use of reference preparations and the presentation of data. This is followed by a series of specific applications, which are designed to serve as model systems for related species. Each application contains a clearly illustrated diagram of the assay principle, detailed instructions on the preparation of reagents and experimental procedures, anu a discussion of method validation. The applications consitiered fall into three main areas: immonoglobulins and immune complexes, antigens and antibodies in allergic and autoimmune