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Progress in medicinal chemistry, volume 18
TIPS - February 1983
96
Membrane overview Membranes, Molecules, Toxins and Cells edited by Konrad Bloch, Liana Bolis and Daniel Tosteson, John Wright & Sons Ltd, 1981. £18.50 (xv + 315 pages) I S B N 0 88416 309 1 This volume represents the proceedings of a 1980 conference at Valais, Switzerland. As suggested by the title, the hook deals with an assortment of membrane phenomena from a rather global point of view. A large number of contributors, writing with divergent styles and approaches, deal with a variety of topics of general interest to membrane researchers, such as the recycling of membrane components, interactions of toxins with membranes, cell--cellinteractions and ion transport mechanisms. One section deals, at some length, with the more specialized topic of the production and action of superoxide radicals. The articles are mainly brief but trenchant summaries of recent research activities and tend to emphasize concepts rather than experimental details. In most cases this makes for pleasant and informative reading; however, in some instances the articles are sketchy, speculative and so far removed from the data base as to be almost useless. The first section of the volume deals with a number of issues in basic membrane biology and biochemistry. The chapters by E. P. Kennedy on lipid synthesis and that by D. M. Small on lipoprotein synthesis and transitions are particularly interesting and instructive, providing up to date commentary on the molecular mechanisms involved. The remaining four chapters in this section are rather sketchy and not terribly informative. Section II deals with the interactions of toxins, viruses and other parasites with cell membranes. A notable contribution here is a scholarly discussion of the protein chemistry, genetics and actions of cholera toxin by R. F. Finkelstein. Also of value are brief but interesting accounts concerning the mechanism of virus internalization by A. Helenius and concerning the acquisition of host proteins by the parasite S. mansoni by A. Sher. Section III of the volume is essentially a mini-symposium on superoxide ion and its role in biological systems. Some of the presentations here are more detailed and more scholarly than those in other sections. Of particular interest are a presentation on the chemistry of superoxide formation by I. Fridovich and a description of the human neutrophil superoxide production enzyme by B. Babior. A generalized discussion of neutrophil function by G. Weissmann and
colleagues also provides some interesting perspectives on this area. The other chapters of Section III are somewhat specialized in nature. Section IV is comprised of a heterogeneous collection of articles related to cell-cell interaction phenomena. This reviewer found these articles to he somewhat dated and not of great merit. Section V comprises several papers dealing with diverse aspects of transmembrane transport. Three of the chapters deal with water transport and one deals with the effects of gangliosides on neurotransmitter release. These chapters are rather specialized and not of great concem to the reader with a general interest in membrane phenomena. The chapter by R. C. de Sousa and A. Grosso does, however, provide a readable and informative account of the history and current status of theories relating to trans-epithelial water transport.
In summary, this volume provides a readable, comprehensible overview of a number of topics of current interest in membrane biology. The coverage of any individual topic would generally be too lightweight to be of much value to an afficionado of that subject. However, the book would be of use to membrane biologists who desire a synopsis of research activities in neighboring fields, or as supplementary reading in graduate or advanced undergraduate courses in cell biology or cellular pharmacology. For a symposium proceeding, this hook is unusually well edited and has an attractive format and illustrations. R. L. JULIANO The author is Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Untversity of Texas Medical Schoolat Houston, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
effects on photosynthesis and on DNA. This leads to a discussion of their effects as radiosensitizers for hypoxic tumour cells, Progress in Medicinal Chemistry, the protection of cytotoxicity by Volume 18 aminothiols and the problems of resistance edited by G. P. Ellis and G. B. West, to nitroimidazoles, their mutagenicity and Elsevier~North Holland B.P. 1981. the biochemical basis for their selective U.S.$63.75/Dfl 150 (xi + 236 pages) cytotoxicity. I S B N 0 444 80345 9 Chapter 4 (12 pages + 86 references), by Asish De on biologically active 1,2The latest volume in this series contains six benzisothiazole derivatives, is a list of reviews based mainly on particular chemi- compounds containing this unit which have cal structures. The first one (37 pages + been used in various ways, as antibacteri234 references), by J. W. Tilley and M. J. als, diuretics, plant growth hormones, funKramer on aminoadamantane derivatives, gicides, or for effects on the heart, in deals with amantadine, rimantadine and inflammation, and to prevent cloV.ing. memantine, and is a well-arranged account Chapter 5 (49 pages + 139 references), of their antiviral actions, possible neurolog- by R. H. Levin and W. L. Albrecht, is enical effects and pharmacology. titled 'Tilorone and Related Bis-Basic Chapter 2 (36 pages + 155 references), Substituted Polycyclic Aromatic and by D. Beaumont and R. D. Waigh, reviews Heteroaromatic Compounds' and is actuthe /3-adrenomimetic activity of tetrahy- ally an excellent review of the bearing of droisoqulnolines and tetrahydronaph- these compounds in the extremely interestthalenes. It outlines the classification of ing problem of immuno-modulation. I have adrenoreceptors, the clinical importance of no doubt many readers will find this d-receptors in bronchial and cardiovascular extremely valuable. The final chapter (23 disease, the possible side-effects of drugs pages + 272 references), by R. Sarges on and their pharmacological evaluation. An hypoglycaemic drugs, covers sulaccount of relations between /3-sym- phonylureas, biguanides, and some novel pathomimetic activity and the chemical agents. This is primarily concerned with structure of phenylethanolamines then pre- individual drugs and has a large collection cedes the main sections dealing with of references. tetrahydroisoquinolines and tetrahydroTfiis volume is a very mixed collection, naphthalenes: these include a consideration much in the tradition of its predecessors, of methods of synthesis. and it is perhaps time to consider whether Chapter 3 (26 pages + 175 references), 'the mixture as before' is still appropriate. by D. I. Edwards, deals with mechanisms Some of the reviews undoubtedly tell a of cytotoxicity of nitroimidazole drugs. It story which is a chemical development of a starts from their clinical uses and effects on biological theme and will grip the pharmicro-organisms and moves on to their macologist as well as the chemist. Reviews
Medicinal Chemistry
97
T I P S - February 1 9 8 3
based on particular chemical structures, however, read more like a shopping list. Medicinal chemists doubtless need such collections of information but I wonder whether they should not simply be published as lists of grouped references, rather in the style of 'The literature of medicinal
Synaptic mechanisms Regulatory Mechanisms Transmission
of
Synaptic
edited by R. Tapia a n d C. W. Cotman, P l e n u m Press, N e w Y o r k , 1981. $ 3 9 . 5 0 (cloth) (viii + 4 2 2 pages) I S B N 0 3 0 6 40740 X
This book contains the proceedings of a symposium of the same name held in Mexico City in April 1980. The nineteen contributions presented represent a multidisciplinary approach to aspects of research into synaptic transmitter mechanisms. The book deals with a rather diverse range of topics. Seven of the papers are concerned with the roles of various substances (noradrenaline, opioid peptides and the amino acids, glutamate, ,/-aminobutyrate and taurine) as neurotransmitters or modulators
In general, the individual contributions are well prepared, illustrated and referenced. Although intended as vehicles for R. B. BARLOW research data, most of the papers include informative, broad overviews of their topic. The author is a Lecturer in the Department of For example, Siggins outlines his criteria Pharmacology m the Universtty of Bristol, Bristol, for the identification of substances as U.K. neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the light of, by his count, some 60 candiin the central nervous system. The findings dates for such roles. I also found papers of in-vivo and in-vitro neurophysiological dealing with calcium and synaptic function and neuropharmacological studies are pre- by Llinas and Walton, Tapia and Arias, sented with emphasis on the regional dis- Sandoval and by De Lorenzo enlightening tribution, release and actions of these sub- for their integrative approach and hackstances. ground information. Several of the conA second major area covered is that of tributions include theoretical models of molecular mechanisms involved in neuro- mechanisms under consideration which transmitter release. Here attention centres help to provide the reader with a useful on the role of calcium ions, the calcium integration of available experimental data. regulator protein, calmodulin, and of other In summary, this book is worth reading synaptic proteins in the exocytotic mechan- for the experimental material and overism. Other papers deal individually with the views of the several important areas of purification and properties of the synaptic mechanisms presented and, not 'mechanoprotein' clatharin and its post- least, for an appreciation of the wide range ulated role in the recovery of transmitter of experimental methodology which is curvesicle components; nerve growth factor in rently being employed in such studies. neurite development, the patterns of reinnervation of skeletal muscle; mechanisms DAVIDF. STORY of presynaptic inhibition in the spinal cord; synaptic plasticity in the visual pathway; The author ~s Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology at calcium currents in relation to synaptic plas- the Umversity of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, A ustraha. ticity; and mechanisms of REM sleep. chemistry', by G. P. Ellis, which appeared as Chapter 6 in Volume 6 of this series.
96
Membrane overview Membranes, Molecules, Toxins and Cells edited by Konrad Bloch, Liana Bolis and Daniel Tosteson, John Wright & Sons Ltd, 1981. £18.50 (xv + 315 pages) I S B N 0 88416 309 1 This volume represents the proceedings of a 1980 conference at Valais, Switzerland. As suggested by the title, the hook deals with an assortment of membrane phenomena from a rather global point of view. A large number of contributors, writing with divergent styles and approaches, deal with a variety of topics of general interest to membrane researchers, such as the recycling of membrane components, interactions of toxins with membranes, cell--cellinteractions and ion transport mechanisms. One section deals, at some length, with the more specialized topic of the production and action of superoxide radicals. The articles are mainly brief but trenchant summaries of recent research activities and tend to emphasize concepts rather than experimental details. In most cases this makes for pleasant and informative reading; however, in some instances the articles are sketchy, speculative and so far removed from the data base as to be almost useless. The first section of the volume deals with a number of issues in basic membrane biology and biochemistry. The chapters by E. P. Kennedy on lipid synthesis and that by D. M. Small on lipoprotein synthesis and transitions are particularly interesting and instructive, providing up to date commentary on the molecular mechanisms involved. The remaining four chapters in this section are rather sketchy and not terribly informative. Section II deals with the interactions of toxins, viruses and other parasites with cell membranes. A notable contribution here is a scholarly discussion of the protein chemistry, genetics and actions of cholera toxin by R. F. Finkelstein. Also of value are brief but interesting accounts concerning the mechanism of virus internalization by A. Helenius and concerning the acquisition of host proteins by the parasite S. mansoni by A. Sher. Section III of the volume is essentially a mini-symposium on superoxide ion and its role in biological systems. Some of the presentations here are more detailed and more scholarly than those in other sections. Of particular interest are a presentation on the chemistry of superoxide formation by I. Fridovich and a description of the human neutrophil superoxide production enzyme by B. Babior. A generalized discussion of neutrophil function by G. Weissmann and
colleagues also provides some interesting perspectives on this area. The other chapters of Section III are somewhat specialized in nature. Section IV is comprised of a heterogeneous collection of articles related to cell-cell interaction phenomena. This reviewer found these articles to he somewhat dated and not of great merit. Section V comprises several papers dealing with diverse aspects of transmembrane transport. Three of the chapters deal with water transport and one deals with the effects of gangliosides on neurotransmitter release. These chapters are rather specialized and not of great concem to the reader with a general interest in membrane phenomena. The chapter by R. C. de Sousa and A. Grosso does, however, provide a readable and informative account of the history and current status of theories relating to trans-epithelial water transport.
In summary, this volume provides a readable, comprehensible overview of a number of topics of current interest in membrane biology. The coverage of any individual topic would generally be too lightweight to be of much value to an afficionado of that subject. However, the book would be of use to membrane biologists who desire a synopsis of research activities in neighboring fields, or as supplementary reading in graduate or advanced undergraduate courses in cell biology or cellular pharmacology. For a symposium proceeding, this hook is unusually well edited and has an attractive format and illustrations. R. L. JULIANO The author is Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Untversity of Texas Medical Schoolat Houston, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
effects on photosynthesis and on DNA. This leads to a discussion of their effects as radiosensitizers for hypoxic tumour cells, Progress in Medicinal Chemistry, the protection of cytotoxicity by Volume 18 aminothiols and the problems of resistance edited by G. P. Ellis and G. B. West, to nitroimidazoles, their mutagenicity and Elsevier~North Holland B.P. 1981. the biochemical basis for their selective U.S.$63.75/Dfl 150 (xi + 236 pages) cytotoxicity. I S B N 0 444 80345 9 Chapter 4 (12 pages + 86 references), by Asish De on biologically active 1,2The latest volume in this series contains six benzisothiazole derivatives, is a list of reviews based mainly on particular chemi- compounds containing this unit which have cal structures. The first one (37 pages + been used in various ways, as antibacteri234 references), by J. W. Tilley and M. J. als, diuretics, plant growth hormones, funKramer on aminoadamantane derivatives, gicides, or for effects on the heart, in deals with amantadine, rimantadine and inflammation, and to prevent cloV.ing. memantine, and is a well-arranged account Chapter 5 (49 pages + 139 references), of their antiviral actions, possible neurolog- by R. H. Levin and W. L. Albrecht, is enical effects and pharmacology. titled 'Tilorone and Related Bis-Basic Chapter 2 (36 pages + 155 references), Substituted Polycyclic Aromatic and by D. Beaumont and R. D. Waigh, reviews Heteroaromatic Compounds' and is actuthe /3-adrenomimetic activity of tetrahy- ally an excellent review of the bearing of droisoqulnolines and tetrahydronaph- these compounds in the extremely interestthalenes. It outlines the classification of ing problem of immuno-modulation. I have adrenoreceptors, the clinical importance of no doubt many readers will find this d-receptors in bronchial and cardiovascular extremely valuable. The final chapter (23 disease, the possible side-effects of drugs pages + 272 references), by R. Sarges on and their pharmacological evaluation. An hypoglycaemic drugs, covers sulaccount of relations between /3-sym- phonylureas, biguanides, and some novel pathomimetic activity and the chemical agents. This is primarily concerned with structure of phenylethanolamines then pre- individual drugs and has a large collection cedes the main sections dealing with of references. tetrahydroisoquinolines and tetrahydroTfiis volume is a very mixed collection, naphthalenes: these include a consideration much in the tradition of its predecessors, of methods of synthesis. and it is perhaps time to consider whether Chapter 3 (26 pages + 175 references), 'the mixture as before' is still appropriate. by D. I. Edwards, deals with mechanisms Some of the reviews undoubtedly tell a of cytotoxicity of nitroimidazole drugs. It story which is a chemical development of a starts from their clinical uses and effects on biological theme and will grip the pharmicro-organisms and moves on to their macologist as well as the chemist. Reviews
Medicinal Chemistry
97
T I P S - February 1 9 8 3
based on particular chemical structures, however, read more like a shopping list. Medicinal chemists doubtless need such collections of information but I wonder whether they should not simply be published as lists of grouped references, rather in the style of 'The literature of medicinal
Synaptic mechanisms Regulatory Mechanisms Transmission
of
Synaptic
edited by R. Tapia a n d C. W. Cotman, P l e n u m Press, N e w Y o r k , 1981. $ 3 9 . 5 0 (cloth) (viii + 4 2 2 pages) I S B N 0 3 0 6 40740 X
This book contains the proceedings of a symposium of the same name held in Mexico City in April 1980. The nineteen contributions presented represent a multidisciplinary approach to aspects of research into synaptic transmitter mechanisms. The book deals with a rather diverse range of topics. Seven of the papers are concerned with the roles of various substances (noradrenaline, opioid peptides and the amino acids, glutamate, ,/-aminobutyrate and taurine) as neurotransmitters or modulators
In general, the individual contributions are well prepared, illustrated and referenced. Although intended as vehicles for R. B. BARLOW research data, most of the papers include informative, broad overviews of their topic. The author is a Lecturer in the Department of For example, Siggins outlines his criteria Pharmacology m the Universtty of Bristol, Bristol, for the identification of substances as U.K. neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the light of, by his count, some 60 candiin the central nervous system. The findings dates for such roles. I also found papers of in-vivo and in-vitro neurophysiological dealing with calcium and synaptic function and neuropharmacological studies are pre- by Llinas and Walton, Tapia and Arias, sented with emphasis on the regional dis- Sandoval and by De Lorenzo enlightening tribution, release and actions of these sub- for their integrative approach and hackstances. ground information. Several of the conA second major area covered is that of tributions include theoretical models of molecular mechanisms involved in neuro- mechanisms under consideration which transmitter release. Here attention centres help to provide the reader with a useful on the role of calcium ions, the calcium integration of available experimental data. regulator protein, calmodulin, and of other In summary, this book is worth reading synaptic proteins in the exocytotic mechan- for the experimental material and overism. Other papers deal individually with the views of the several important areas of purification and properties of the synaptic mechanisms presented and, not 'mechanoprotein' clatharin and its post- least, for an appreciation of the wide range ulated role in the recovery of transmitter of experimental methodology which is curvesicle components; nerve growth factor in rently being employed in such studies. neurite development, the patterns of reinnervation of skeletal muscle; mechanisms DAVIDF. STORY of presynaptic inhibition in the spinal cord; synaptic plasticity in the visual pathway; The author ~s Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology at calcium currents in relation to synaptic plas- the Umversity of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, A ustraha. ticity; and mechanisms of REM sleep. chemistry', by G. P. Ellis, which appeared as Chapter 6 in Volume 6 of this series.