The modulation of cellular interactions represents a crucial aspect of many inter and intra-cellular processes, including the regulation of gene expression, cell growth, migration, differentiation and apoptosis. Glycoproteins, which constitutes one of the major groups of adhesion molecules and receptors, plays an important role in such processes and over the last decade, research has highlighted the therapeutic implications this has for many physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation, arthritis and metastasis.;The first part of this book deals with the structure and biosynthesis of glycoconjugates, in addition to reviewing the structure and metabolism of glycosaminoglycans and glycolipids. It also features a general overview of cellular adhesion mechanisms and the extra-cellular matrix.;The second part addresses the pathological roles played by glycoconjugates and their potential therapeutic applications, for example in the progression of cancer, neurophysiopathologies and carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndromes.

Exploring the role of Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) in human disease, this reference summarizes current research on the mechanisms and utilization of anti-IgE therapeutics in the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic disease, inflammation, and asthma-discussing the structural composition of high- and low-affinity IgE receptors, the airway cells that express these receptors, and the functional activity of IgE-FceRI and IgE-FceRII interactions for improved control and management of allergic disorders. Compiles previously unpublished data from the first extensive scientific investigations of Xolair! IgE and Anti-IgE Therapy in Asthma and Allergic Disease -reviews studies on the distribution of serum IgE levels of normal and asthmatic populations in developed regions of the world such as the United States, Canada, Scandinavia, New Zealand, and Europe -offers novel methods for the design and formulation of monoclonal antibodies -discusses the use of allergen bronchoprovocation to identify the characteristics and efficacy of new antiasthma and antiallergy medications -examines the role of IgE in food and parasitic allergies and covers -the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and urticaria -novel strategies to target mast cells and basophils -murine models of allergic pulmonary inflammation -the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis Supplemented with nearly 2000 contemporary references to facilitate further study, IgE and Anti-IgE Therapy in Asthma and Allergic Disease is an in-depth and timely source for basic and clinical immunologists; allergists; pulmonologists and pulmonary disease specialists; physiologists; molecular, cellular, and lung biologists; pediatricians; internists; and graduate and medicalschool students in these disciplines.

This second edition is an updated version of an introductory level textbook intended for students who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of smooth muscle. Compared with skeletal and cardiac muscles, smooth muscle is the least understood in terms of its contraction mechanism and the structure of its contractile apparatus. Nevertheless, it is an important tissue that is vital in many organ functions, such as blood pressure control, intestinal peristalsis, and the emptying of the bladder. Dysfunction of the muscle has been implicated in many diseases such as high blood pressure, asthma, and overactive bladders. This is the only book-length treatment of functional models of a variety of smooth muscle behaviors with their corresponding mathematical descriptions, and offers an easy-to-follow, step-by-step mathematical derivation that will help students to appreciate the muscle cell as a fine-tuned aggregate of mechanisms governed by the fundamental laws of physics. In addition to providing a detailed description of the known subcellular structure and mechanical function of the contractile apparatus of smooth muscle, it also covers experimentation techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis. The book is a must-have information source for anyone interested in smooth muscle cell ultrastructure, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology.