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Xenobiotic conjugation chemistry (ACS symposium series 299)
736
Reviews of recent publications--Fd Chem. Toxic. Vol. 26, No. 8
of research, any attempt to cover all aspects of in vitro methods in toxicology in one volume was bound to fall short of expectation; and that must be the inevitable verdict on this volume. The book consists of 18 chapters divided into three sections. The first section on target organ toxicity deals with eight sites ranging from the kidneys and inner ear to the heart, thyroid, lung, liver and the haemopoietic system. The second section on general and topical toxicity is mainly concerned with methodology in irritancy and immunotoxicity and also includes a chapter on short-term genetic toxicity tests. The final section on reproductive toxicity deals with teratology (three chapters) and the male and female reproductive systems (one chapter each). A number of the chapters in this book are commendable, but the bias of some of the authors to dwell mainly on their own research interests does affect the balance of the book. The use of cameraready copy has led to some editorial inconsistencies and a certain uneveness in the presentation. On a more positive note, however, this book would be useful to those who are reasonably familiar with the field and interested in particular and specific areas of development in in vitro methods. [Sharat Gangolli--BIBRA]
Xenobiotic Conjugation Chemistry (ACS Symposium Series 299). Edited by G. D. Paulson, J. Caldwell, D. H. Hutson & J. J. Menn. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 1986. pp. x + 358. $59.95. ISBN 0-8412-0957-X (received for review January 1988). This collection of essays on xenobiotic conjugation reactions (phase II processes) is drawn from a symposium sponsored by the American Chemical Society held in Florida in April 1985. Xenobiotic conjugation is the process whereby a water soluble derivative of a substance foreign to an organism is formed by the combination of the substance with glucuronic acid, glutathione, sulphate, acetate, glycine, etc. Four areas of research are featured: a description of the principal xenobiotic conjugation reactions in various species; the isolation and identification of xenobiotic conjugates; and the characterization of some novel xenobiotic conjugates and their biological significance. Though the emphasis of the book is on the organic chemistry associated with conjugation of xenobiotics (the associated enzymology is virtually ignored), the contributions proceed lucidly from descriptions of xenobiotic conjugation in mammals, aquatic organisms, insects and higher plants, through techniques used to characterize xenobiotic conjugates, to recent work on unexpected xenobiotic conjugation reactions, and the realization that conjugation can result in the toxification of some xenobiotics. Particularly interesting chapters include an account of the (chemical) synthesis of glucuronide, sulphate, amino acid and glutathione conjugates, and the use of nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry to characterize xenobiotic conjugates.
Contributions on the disposition of plant xenobiotic conjugates in animals (are they a toxicological problem?), and the highly developed conjugation reactions evolved by plants, also provide useful insights. Despite the omission of applications of molecular biology to our understanding of phase II metabolism, this book complements recent reviews of metabolic detoxification, and provides a useful (chemical) introduction to this aspect of xenobiotic metabolism. [Rupert Purchase---BIBRA]
Chemical Carcinogens: Some Guidelines for Handling and Disposal in the Laboratory. Edited by M. Castegnaro & E. B. Sansone. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1986. pp. ix + 97. £7.00. ISBN 3-540-16719-6. In 1980 the International Agency for Research on Cancer instigated a series of monographs on the decontamination and destruction of carcinogens commonly used in the laboratory (Cited in F.C.T. 1986, 24, 256). Now two of the authors associated with that series have augmented the recommended procedures for the disposal of these carcinogens, with guidelines for their recognition, handling and transportation. The result is an admirably concise and informative book of 72 pages and 193 references. The topics discussed also include the implementation of adequate managerial procedures for ensuring carcinogens are safely handled; how to deal with spillages; and the use of a designated carcinogen room for carrying out experiments using carcinogens. Disposal and decontamination methods are surveyed for aflatoxins, N-nitrosamines, N-nitrosamides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hydrazines, aromatic amines, haloethers and some antineoplastic agents (detailed experimental procedures found in the earlier IARC monographs are omitted). All scientific and technical staff whose work involves the manipulation of carcinogens will benefit from reading this book. [Rupert Purchase--BIBRA]
Animal Cell Culture: A Practical Approach. Edited by R. I. Freshney. IRL Press, Oxford, 1986. pp. xiii+248. £16.50 (Softback). ISBN 0-947946-33-0. £25.00 (Hardback). ISBN 0-947946-62-4. To those with an interest in cell culture, the editor of this book will probably be familiar as the author of "Culture of Animal Cells: A manual of Basic Technique". That excellent volume was widely acclaimed as combining a comprehensive introduction to cell culture for the novice with practical information of value to experienced workers. This new book is quite different. Eight of the nine chapters deal with specialized aspects of cell culture, for example the use of serum-free media, or techniques, such as flow cytometry, and contain varying but generally substantial amounts of detailed technical information. The exception to this format is the
Reviews of recent publications--Fd Chem. Toxic. Vol. 26, No. 8
of research, any attempt to cover all aspects of in vitro methods in toxicology in one volume was bound to fall short of expectation; and that must be the inevitable verdict on this volume. The book consists of 18 chapters divided into three sections. The first section on target organ toxicity deals with eight sites ranging from the kidneys and inner ear to the heart, thyroid, lung, liver and the haemopoietic system. The second section on general and topical toxicity is mainly concerned with methodology in irritancy and immunotoxicity and also includes a chapter on short-term genetic toxicity tests. The final section on reproductive toxicity deals with teratology (three chapters) and the male and female reproductive systems (one chapter each). A number of the chapters in this book are commendable, but the bias of some of the authors to dwell mainly on their own research interests does affect the balance of the book. The use of cameraready copy has led to some editorial inconsistencies and a certain uneveness in the presentation. On a more positive note, however, this book would be useful to those who are reasonably familiar with the field and interested in particular and specific areas of development in in vitro methods. [Sharat Gangolli--BIBRA]
Xenobiotic Conjugation Chemistry (ACS Symposium Series 299). Edited by G. D. Paulson, J. Caldwell, D. H. Hutson & J. J. Menn. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 1986. pp. x + 358. $59.95. ISBN 0-8412-0957-X (received for review January 1988). This collection of essays on xenobiotic conjugation reactions (phase II processes) is drawn from a symposium sponsored by the American Chemical Society held in Florida in April 1985. Xenobiotic conjugation is the process whereby a water soluble derivative of a substance foreign to an organism is formed by the combination of the substance with glucuronic acid, glutathione, sulphate, acetate, glycine, etc. Four areas of research are featured: a description of the principal xenobiotic conjugation reactions in various species; the isolation and identification of xenobiotic conjugates; and the characterization of some novel xenobiotic conjugates and their biological significance. Though the emphasis of the book is on the organic chemistry associated with conjugation of xenobiotics (the associated enzymology is virtually ignored), the contributions proceed lucidly from descriptions of xenobiotic conjugation in mammals, aquatic organisms, insects and higher plants, through techniques used to characterize xenobiotic conjugates, to recent work on unexpected xenobiotic conjugation reactions, and the realization that conjugation can result in the toxification of some xenobiotics. Particularly interesting chapters include an account of the (chemical) synthesis of glucuronide, sulphate, amino acid and glutathione conjugates, and the use of nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry to characterize xenobiotic conjugates.
Contributions on the disposition of plant xenobiotic conjugates in animals (are they a toxicological problem?), and the highly developed conjugation reactions evolved by plants, also provide useful insights. Despite the omission of applications of molecular biology to our understanding of phase II metabolism, this book complements recent reviews of metabolic detoxification, and provides a useful (chemical) introduction to this aspect of xenobiotic metabolism. [Rupert Purchase---BIBRA]
Chemical Carcinogens: Some Guidelines for Handling and Disposal in the Laboratory. Edited by M. Castegnaro & E. B. Sansone. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1986. pp. ix + 97. £7.00. ISBN 3-540-16719-6. In 1980 the International Agency for Research on Cancer instigated a series of monographs on the decontamination and destruction of carcinogens commonly used in the laboratory (Cited in F.C.T. 1986, 24, 256). Now two of the authors associated with that series have augmented the recommended procedures for the disposal of these carcinogens, with guidelines for their recognition, handling and transportation. The result is an admirably concise and informative book of 72 pages and 193 references. The topics discussed also include the implementation of adequate managerial procedures for ensuring carcinogens are safely handled; how to deal with spillages; and the use of a designated carcinogen room for carrying out experiments using carcinogens. Disposal and decontamination methods are surveyed for aflatoxins, N-nitrosamines, N-nitrosamides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hydrazines, aromatic amines, haloethers and some antineoplastic agents (detailed experimental procedures found in the earlier IARC monographs are omitted). All scientific and technical staff whose work involves the manipulation of carcinogens will benefit from reading this book. [Rupert Purchase--BIBRA]
Animal Cell Culture: A Practical Approach. Edited by R. I. Freshney. IRL Press, Oxford, 1986. pp. xiii+248. £16.50 (Softback). ISBN 0-947946-33-0. £25.00 (Hardback). ISBN 0-947946-62-4. To those with an interest in cell culture, the editor of this book will probably be familiar as the author of "Culture of Animal Cells: A manual of Basic Technique". That excellent volume was widely acclaimed as combining a comprehensive introduction to cell culture for the novice with practical information of value to experienced workers. This new book is quite different. Eight of the nine chapters deal with specialized aspects of cell culture, for example the use of serum-free media, or techniques, such as flow cytometry, and contain varying but generally substantial amounts of detailed technical information. The exception to this format is the