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Platelet-Vessel Wall Interaction
234
HOOK R L L I E W S
former serves to remind us how frequently quite diverse endocrine differentiation occiirb in a wide range of tumours, and the latter emphasizes how immunohistochemistry can characterize this. The next chapter concerns the pathological states underlying protein toss from the gastrointestinal tract and another describes the mucosal immune system. Neither presents entirely new material, the most recent literature referred to being published in 1986. Finally there is an account of Crohn’s disease in Japan which contains n o rignificant new pathological information. Presumably cince this hook is designated Volume I, others are t o follow, and the strongest reason for acquiring this copy would be if one were contemplating collecting the series. There is no other indication as to whether or not this is to be an ongoing publication aimed at presenting the forefront of gastrointestinal pathology, for this volume has no preface as such. Overall, the somewhat mixed quality of the contents and thelimited new information it contains makes it difficult for this reviewer to recommend enthusiastically its purchase for personal use. R . Whireheud
Diugnostic Newoputhology. Volume 1 , 1988. Edited by J . H . G A R C I . 4 . J . Esct\~o~,z-2r4r.4, U. Swoe.wva Field & Wood, Philadelphia, PA. ISBN 0-938607-05-7, pp. 318. AUSI%I50-160. There are 7 major contributors to Volume 1 of this book although only 3 main authors are listed. The scope of neuropathology is such that a book of 318 pages would not be expected to cober every aspect of the subject. In fact, Volume I of this book only deals with the pathology of central nemous system (CNS) turnours. Other diseases of the CNS presumably will be covered in Volume 11. The book is largely intended to assist the pathologist to arrive at a reasonable or accurate diagnosis on the surgical materials submitted. Excessive clinical information and discussion has heen largely omitted. The book begins with very brief but helpful information on preoperative imaging studies in neurosurgery. There is information on the indications, use, and techniques in imaging in neurological diagnosis with many well chosen C T scan and radiocontrast pictures. The next chapter, written by Professor Bonnin, dealing with the neuro5urgical biopsy, is far too brief, especially the section on the application of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of CNS turnours. This is despite Professor Bonnin’s acknowledgement that the use of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of CNS neoplasms is one of the most important recent advances in neuropathological diagnosis. The last 2 chapters of this book, covering the full range of the commonly encountered turnours of the CNS, is written in a factual and almost dogmatic manner with little discussion of the differing views on etiology or pathogenesis. There are many well-chosen black and white, highquality illustrations including many electron-micrographs. The authors have concentrated on descriptions of classic or typical examples of CNS turnours rather than lengthy discussion of the histological variations in the commonly encountered CNS turnours in surgical pathology practice. Rare tumours are mentioned or only described briefly. The cited literature is adequate and up-to-date without being exhaustive. This would be a very useful book for the practising pathologist who
Pathology (1989), 21 July is seeking diagnostic information on the classical histological features of commonly encountered CNS neoplasms. L . C. J . Yong
Pluteier-Vessel Wall Inierucrion. R. M . PITILIOM, S. J. MACHIN. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. pp. 198, illustrated. The stated theme of this monograph is the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, and it aims at highlighting the interface between basic medical science and clinical practice. It is more successful in achieving its aim than in developing its theme. It includes a number of well written reviews, but these either omit, or do not adequately develop, material of relevance to our current understanding of the mechanisms of atherogenesis. The first chapter provides a clear and concise overview of the structure and function of the platelet, but there is only brief mention of the role of platelet-derived growth factor as a smooth muscle cell mitogen. There is no discussion of platelet function in conditions associated with accelerated atherogenesis. Chapter 2 describes the structure of blood vessels with a focus on the morphology of the endothelium. There is no review of the process of atherogenesis, and the important concepts of endothelial injury and regeneration are considered rather briefly, with the comment that comprehensive review is beyond the scope of the chapter. Chapter 3 briefly outlines the technique of endothelial cell culture and discusses endothelial cell growth factors, synthesised extracellular matrix proteins, and arachidonic acid metabolism. There is a brief description of the methods available to assess cytotoxicity, and a discussion of the effects .of nicotine on the endothelial cell. Other agents which may perturb endothelial cells, and are of relevance to atherogenesis, receive only passing mention. In Chapter 4 there is further discussion of the effects of cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide, and nicotine on the endothelial cell, plateletendothelial cell interactions, and platelet aggregadon. This chapter bears a clear relation to the basic theme of atherogenesis. Chapter 5 ‘Mesothelium as a non-thrombogenic surface’ presents a novel approach t o the problem of arterial prosthetic surgery and explores the potential value of cultured mesothelial cells as an in vitro model of endothelial cell damage. Chapters 6 and 7 deal with renal vascular injury and renal disease; although they are interesting reviews they are questionable inclusions in a monograph on atherosclerosis in which there is n o room for a comprehensive discussion of endothelial cell injury and repair. The role of platelets in the induction of renal injury is explored, and disorders of platelet function secondary t o renal disease are described. There is a review of the hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The last chapter provides an overview of the mechanisms of action of both new and old anti-platelet drugs, clearly relating these to platelet function and providing a framework for understanding recent developments in the management of the sequelae of atherosclerosis. This monograph, whilst not providinng a satisfying overview of atherogenesis, does include a number of reviews of value to those with an interest in hemostasis, arterial thrombosis, renal disease, and the pharmacological manipulation of platelet and endothelial cell function. V . J . McPherson
HOOK R L L I E W S
former serves to remind us how frequently quite diverse endocrine differentiation occiirb in a wide range of tumours, and the latter emphasizes how immunohistochemistry can characterize this. The next chapter concerns the pathological states underlying protein toss from the gastrointestinal tract and another describes the mucosal immune system. Neither presents entirely new material, the most recent literature referred to being published in 1986. Finally there is an account of Crohn’s disease in Japan which contains n o rignificant new pathological information. Presumably cince this hook is designated Volume I, others are t o follow, and the strongest reason for acquiring this copy would be if one were contemplating collecting the series. There is no other indication as to whether or not this is to be an ongoing publication aimed at presenting the forefront of gastrointestinal pathology, for this volume has no preface as such. Overall, the somewhat mixed quality of the contents and thelimited new information it contains makes it difficult for this reviewer to recommend enthusiastically its purchase for personal use. R . Whireheud
Diugnostic Newoputhology. Volume 1 , 1988. Edited by J . H . G A R C I . 4 . J . Esct\~o~,z-2r4r.4, U. Swoe.wva Field & Wood, Philadelphia, PA. ISBN 0-938607-05-7, pp. 318. AUSI%I50-160. There are 7 major contributors to Volume 1 of this book although only 3 main authors are listed. The scope of neuropathology is such that a book of 318 pages would not be expected to cober every aspect of the subject. In fact, Volume I of this book only deals with the pathology of central nemous system (CNS) turnours. Other diseases of the CNS presumably will be covered in Volume 11. The book is largely intended to assist the pathologist to arrive at a reasonable or accurate diagnosis on the surgical materials submitted. Excessive clinical information and discussion has heen largely omitted. The book begins with very brief but helpful information on preoperative imaging studies in neurosurgery. There is information on the indications, use, and techniques in imaging in neurological diagnosis with many well chosen C T scan and radiocontrast pictures. The next chapter, written by Professor Bonnin, dealing with the neuro5urgical biopsy, is far too brief, especially the section on the application of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of CNS turnours. This is despite Professor Bonnin’s acknowledgement that the use of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of CNS neoplasms is one of the most important recent advances in neuropathological diagnosis. The last 2 chapters of this book, covering the full range of the commonly encountered turnours of the CNS, is written in a factual and almost dogmatic manner with little discussion of the differing views on etiology or pathogenesis. There are many well-chosen black and white, highquality illustrations including many electron-micrographs. The authors have concentrated on descriptions of classic or typical examples of CNS turnours rather than lengthy discussion of the histological variations in the commonly encountered CNS turnours in surgical pathology practice. Rare tumours are mentioned or only described briefly. The cited literature is adequate and up-to-date without being exhaustive. This would be a very useful book for the practising pathologist who
Pathology (1989), 21 July is seeking diagnostic information on the classical histological features of commonly encountered CNS neoplasms. L . C. J . Yong
Pluteier-Vessel Wall Inierucrion. R. M . PITILIOM, S. J. MACHIN. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. pp. 198, illustrated. The stated theme of this monograph is the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, and it aims at highlighting the interface between basic medical science and clinical practice. It is more successful in achieving its aim than in developing its theme. It includes a number of well written reviews, but these either omit, or do not adequately develop, material of relevance to our current understanding of the mechanisms of atherogenesis. The first chapter provides a clear and concise overview of the structure and function of the platelet, but there is only brief mention of the role of platelet-derived growth factor as a smooth muscle cell mitogen. There is no discussion of platelet function in conditions associated with accelerated atherogenesis. Chapter 2 describes the structure of blood vessels with a focus on the morphology of the endothelium. There is no review of the process of atherogenesis, and the important concepts of endothelial injury and regeneration are considered rather briefly, with the comment that comprehensive review is beyond the scope of the chapter. Chapter 3 briefly outlines the technique of endothelial cell culture and discusses endothelial cell growth factors, synthesised extracellular matrix proteins, and arachidonic acid metabolism. There is a brief description of the methods available to assess cytotoxicity, and a discussion of the effects .of nicotine on the endothelial cell. Other agents which may perturb endothelial cells, and are of relevance to atherogenesis, receive only passing mention. In Chapter 4 there is further discussion of the effects of cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide, and nicotine on the endothelial cell, plateletendothelial cell interactions, and platelet aggregadon. This chapter bears a clear relation to the basic theme of atherogenesis. Chapter 5 ‘Mesothelium as a non-thrombogenic surface’ presents a novel approach t o the problem of arterial prosthetic surgery and explores the potential value of cultured mesothelial cells as an in vitro model of endothelial cell damage. Chapters 6 and 7 deal with renal vascular injury and renal disease; although they are interesting reviews they are questionable inclusions in a monograph on atherosclerosis in which there is n o room for a comprehensive discussion of endothelial cell injury and repair. The role of platelets in the induction of renal injury is explored, and disorders of platelet function secondary t o renal disease are described. There is a review of the hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The last chapter provides an overview of the mechanisms of action of both new and old anti-platelet drugs, clearly relating these to platelet function and providing a framework for understanding recent developments in the management of the sequelae of atherosclerosis. This monograph, whilst not providinng a satisfying overview of atherogenesis, does include a number of reviews of value to those with an interest in hemostasis, arterial thrombosis, renal disease, and the pharmacological manipulation of platelet and endothelial cell function. V . J . McPherson