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Thymic hormones and lymphokines. Basic chemistry and clinical applications
494
Book reviews
Thymic Hormones and Lymphokines. Basic Chemistry and Clinical Applications---Edited by A. L. GOLDSTEIN. 669 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $75. The many thymic hormones are being analysed and their specific roles determined. Thymosin alpha I is composed of 28 amino acids, has a molecular weight of 3108 and has been synthesised. It can stimulate macrophages to produce macrophage inhibitory factor, interferon, and T cell growth factor. Thymosin beta 4 has 43 amino acids and a molecular weight of 4963. It induces TdT in bone marrow cells and in thymocytes. It also stimulates the release of LH-RH and LH. The polypeptide in serum (thymulin) that stimulates immunological function in treated cells has been analysed (Glu-Ala-Tyr-Ser431n431y-Gly-Ser-Asn) and the synthetic peptide has full biological activity for which it also requires Zn. T-cell growth factor (TCGF) is a lymphokine (a substance released by lymphocytes). It is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approx 15,000, and has 133 amino acids whose sequence is now known. Under experimental conditions mouse lymphoid cells were expanded with TCGF and could retard tumor growth. Other compounds discussed include cytokines, interleukins and oncostatin. Thymic extracts and individual thymic peptides have been used in clinical trials for producing tumor regression, treatment of fulminant viral hepatitis B, autoimmune hepatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The role of the thymic hormones in AIDS is also being intensively studied. This multi-authored symposium volume is well edited, well presented and provides an excellent account of the advances that are being made in this flourishing subject. Hormonal Control of the Hypothalamo--Pituitary-Gonadal Axis---Edited by K. W. McKERNS and Z. NAOR. 622 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $85. This is the published proceedings of the International Foundation for Biochemical Endocrinology, held in the Weizmann Institute, Israel. The main sections were: Neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion. Molecular 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 gonadotropins. 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 difficult task but one that would give "symposium" volumes a greater impact. Regression of Athernsclerotic Lesions. Experimental Studies and Observations in Humans--Edited by M. R. MALINOW and V. H. BLATON. NATO ASI Series A. Life Sciences, Vol. 79. 355 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York, $52.50. Atherogenesis is the result of 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 synthesis of collagen, elastin and proteoglycans. 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 low 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 monkeys 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. Neurotransmitter Receptors. Mechanisms of Action and Regulation---Edited by S. KITO, T. SEGAWA, K. KURIYAMA, H. I. YAMAMURAand R. W. OLSEN. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, Vol. 175. 297 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $49.50. The volume has three main sections: (1) Coupling of neurotransmitters to adenylate cyclase (AC); (2) Regulation, interaction and coupling to effectors. (3) Receptors structure, localization, and ion channels. The topics discussed include the role of Pertussis toxin as an isletactivating protein via AC, DA receptors, MI and M2 muscarinic receptors, alpha 2 receptors in cerebral arteries and vas deferens, enkephalins, 5HT receptors, lipomodulin a phospholipase inhibitory protein, nitrendipine binding sites, GABA/barbiturate/BZ receptor cloride channel, evolution of alpha, beta adrenergic, dopaminergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors. The links between receptors and the adenylate cyclase system are well presented and the papers give a detailed analytical and thoughtful account of the state of neurotransmitter receptor research. Methods in Pharmacology, Vol. 5: Myocardial Biology-Edited by A. SCHWARTZ. 235 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $42.50. Twelve different procedures are described: (1) Isolation of canine cardiac sarcolemma 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; (10) Derived indices of myocardial function in isolated work performing hearts; (11) 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 how to carry out the required procedure. In addition sample results are given together with a detailed bibliography for further reading. The chapters assume at least graduate level or even Master level of practical skill and experience. Possibly additional help would be a section indicating what are the usual faults or what to do if things don't work! Receptor Mediated Targeting of Drugs---Edited by G. GREGORIADIS, G. POSTE, J. SENIOR and A. TROUET. NATO ASI Series A Life Sciences, Vol. 82. 491 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York and London. $79.50. Receptor-recognising carriers have recently given promise of targeting onto a specific restricted end organ. Monoclonal antibodies, receptor specific proteins, and liposomes have all been used to improve specificity of drug
Book reviews
Thymic Hormones and Lymphokines. Basic Chemistry and Clinical Applications---Edited by A. L. GOLDSTEIN. 669 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $75. The many thymic hormones are being analysed and their specific roles determined. Thymosin alpha I is composed of 28 amino acids, has a molecular weight of 3108 and has been synthesised. It can stimulate macrophages to produce macrophage inhibitory factor, interferon, and T cell growth factor. Thymosin beta 4 has 43 amino acids and a molecular weight of 4963. It induces TdT in bone marrow cells and in thymocytes. It also stimulates the release of LH-RH and LH. The polypeptide in serum (thymulin) that stimulates immunological function in treated cells has been analysed (Glu-Ala-Tyr-Ser431n431y-Gly-Ser-Asn) and the synthetic peptide has full biological activity for which it also requires Zn. T-cell growth factor (TCGF) is a lymphokine (a substance released by lymphocytes). It is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approx 15,000, and has 133 amino acids whose sequence is now known. Under experimental conditions mouse lymphoid cells were expanded with TCGF and could retard tumor growth. Other compounds discussed include cytokines, interleukins and oncostatin. Thymic extracts and individual thymic peptides have been used in clinical trials for producing tumor regression, treatment of fulminant viral hepatitis B, autoimmune hepatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The role of the thymic hormones in AIDS is also being intensively studied. This multi-authored symposium volume is well edited, well presented and provides an excellent account of the advances that are being made in this flourishing subject. Hormonal Control of the Hypothalamo--Pituitary-Gonadal Axis---Edited by K. W. McKERNS and Z. NAOR. 622 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $85. This is the published proceedings of the International Foundation for Biochemical Endocrinology, held in the Weizmann Institute, Israel. The main sections were: Neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion. Molecular 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 gonadotropins. 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 difficult task but one that would give "symposium" volumes a greater impact. Regression of Athernsclerotic Lesions. Experimental Studies and Observations in Humans--Edited by M. R. MALINOW and V. H. BLATON. NATO ASI Series A. Life Sciences, Vol. 79. 355 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York, $52.50. Atherogenesis is the result of 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 synthesis of collagen, elastin and proteoglycans. 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 low 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 monkeys 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. Neurotransmitter Receptors. Mechanisms of Action and Regulation---Edited by S. KITO, T. SEGAWA, K. KURIYAMA, H. I. YAMAMURAand R. W. OLSEN. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, Vol. 175. 297 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $49.50. The volume has three main sections: (1) Coupling of neurotransmitters to adenylate cyclase (AC); (2) Regulation, interaction and coupling to effectors. (3) Receptors structure, localization, and ion channels. The topics discussed include the role of Pertussis toxin as an isletactivating protein via AC, DA receptors, MI and M2 muscarinic receptors, alpha 2 receptors in cerebral arteries and vas deferens, enkephalins, 5HT receptors, lipomodulin a phospholipase inhibitory protein, nitrendipine binding sites, GABA/barbiturate/BZ receptor cloride channel, evolution of alpha, beta adrenergic, dopaminergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors. The links between receptors and the adenylate cyclase system are well presented and the papers give a detailed analytical and thoughtful account of the state of neurotransmitter receptor research. Methods in Pharmacology, Vol. 5: Myocardial Biology-Edited by A. SCHWARTZ. 235 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York. $42.50. Twelve different procedures are described: (1) Isolation of canine cardiac sarcolemma 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; (10) Derived indices of myocardial function in isolated work performing hearts; (11) 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 how to carry out the required procedure. In addition sample results are given together with a detailed bibliography for further reading. The chapters assume at least graduate level or even Master level of practical skill and experience. Possibly additional help would be a section indicating what are the usual faults or what to do if things don't work! Receptor Mediated Targeting of Drugs---Edited by G. GREGORIADIS, G. POSTE, J. SENIOR and A. TROUET. NATO ASI Series A Life Sciences, Vol. 82. 491 pp. 1984. Plenum Press, New York and London. $79.50. Receptor-recognising carriers have recently given promise of targeting onto a specific restricted end organ. Monoclonal antibodies, receptor specific proteins, and liposomes have all been used to improve specificity of drug