First published in 1985, the revised edition of this text consists of seven chapters describing the muscle, its anatomy, its mechanics, and its chemical and neuro-control systems. It documents empirical, analytical, and experimental analyses and equations in the field of muscle mechanics.

Since Paul Cranefield published his monograph, The Conduction of the Cardiac Impulse, in 1975, much has been learned about the role of the slow inward current in cardiac electrophysiology. Because of this expanse in know ledge, both basic and clinical, it appeared reasonable to review in a mono graph once again what was known. When Martinus Nijhoff first approached us to undertake the task of updating this information, we were initially reluctant for several reasons. First, we did not feel that the subject could be adequately and thoroughly reviewed, from the cell to the bedside, by a single person. Second, time constraints on all of us precluded even attempting such a task. However, we were encouraged by several of our friends (' egged on' one might even say, since they wished the job done but did not want to do it themselves ) who promised faithfully to contribute chapters on time if we accepted the task. So we did, and most of them did also."

In the last few years, technologies that allow for monitoring and manipulating neuronal networks at a single cell resolution have been rapidly expanding. In Neuronal Network Analysis: Concepts and Experimental Approaches, experts in the field provide an overview of some of the most advanced techniques for the study of neuronal circuits, highlighting current technical limitations and providing a vision of what is yet to come. Broken into six convenient, interdependent section, this volume covers optical approaches, electrophysiological approaches, both in vitro and in vivo, optogenetics, morpho-functional approaches, and neuronal network analysis in humans. As a volume in the Neuromethods series, this work provides the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Neuronal Network Analysis: Concepts and Experimental Approaches will be useful for early career neuroscientists, as well as for experienced neuroscientists, by providing a practical framework for studying the brain as an organ while maintaining an appreciation for its cellular diversity.

The topic of skin aging is of growing importance to all working in the field of dermatology, aesthetic medicine and cosmetic medicine. Two internationally well-known and leading experts in the field present a comprehensive state-of-the-art review on all aspects of skin aging.

With its clear, concise and reader-friendly format this book has all the potential to become the Bible of skin aging. Every specialist interested in dermatology, aesthetic medicine, cosmetic science, cutaneous biology and aging research will find indispensable information of great value for his or her daily work.

Pathological heart rhythms are a major health issue. In this book experts from various fields provide an important context for understanding the complicated molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie normal and pathophysiological cardiac rhythms.

Individual chapters cover a full range of topics, including the ionic basis of pacemaking, the role of specific channels and transporters in sinoatrial node pacemaking, altered intracellular Ca2+ handling in response to disease, computer modeling of the action potentials of pacemaker and working cardiomyocytes, genetic and molecular basis of inherited arrhythmias and a review of established and novel antiarrhythmic agents. Due to the key importance of the specialized pacemaker cells and tissue (sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes) in maintaining heart rate and rhythm, special emphasis is placed on the peculiar electrophysiology of these cells.

Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals focuses on the special anesthetic, analgesic, and postoperative care requirements associated with experimental interventions. Fully revised and updated this new edition provides the reader with agents, methods, and techniques for anesthesia and analgesia that ensure humane, reproducible, and successful procedural outcomes. The content is structured in six sections. The first deals with ethical, regulatory, and scientific considerations. Chapters in this section include US and international regulatory considerations, and optimization of anesthesia and analgesia. Part two is dedicated to the principles of anesthesia and analgesia with chapters covering topics in a non-species-specific way, but with a slant towards laboratory animals, including relevant pharmacology of the agents. Part three covers Anesthetic equipment and monitoring. Section four deals with periprocedural care including dedicated chapters to the assessment and management of pain in laboratory species. Part five provides practical considerations by species, including relevant anatomy, physiology, and behavior of a broad range of lab animal species. Part six closes the book with special topics covering management of chronic pain, fetus and neonate interventions, considerations for in-vivo imaging and the study of pain. Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals is the complete reference for veterinarians involved in lab animal research as well as senior graduate, graduate students, post-docs, and researchers who utilize animals in biomedical research.

Taurine 9 contains original articles and critical reviews based on the oral and poster presentations of XIX International Taurine Meeting held in Krakow, Poland in May 2014. The purpose of the book is to present current ideas, new avenues and research regarding biological functions and clinical applications of taurine and taurine derivatives. It focuses on all aspects of taurine research including the cardiovascular system, the immune system, diabetes, the central nervous system, endocrine system and the role of taurine supplements in nutrition. It also includes presentations of novel animal experimental models using Cdo1 and CSAD knock-out mice.

Enthusiasm from the past notable successes with RF ablation and the demand for better therapy for the complex but common arrhythmias has carried forward the progress of catheter ablation technology. In the past few years, there has been significant progress in the development of better mapping and ablative techniques. Such progress has resulted in a steady improvement in the success of ablation of more complex atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias as well as our knowledge of their anatomy and pathophysiology. However, enthusiasm for finding the ideal tools for the cure of complex arrhythmias has also resulted in a proliferation of changes in catheter designs, mapping apparatus, and heat energy sources. The clinician nowadays is faced with a wide and often confusing choice of new instruments and methods of ablation. There are few, if any, comparative studies involving the various new tools, nor is there any compilation of data on any specific new discovery. It is timely to provide ourselves with a review of available data on the progress of new technology in order to enhance our knowledge and to concentrate our efforts into the development of an ultimate practical and yet effective methodology.

The purpose of this publication is to provide a forum in which the authors can present their experience, even if only in its preliminary stages, in the respective field or technology. Various technological advancements in mapping and ablation as well as the improved understanding of the pathophysiology of the various arrhythmias are presented. The authors are selected for their interest and expertise on the subject. Each topic is presented in a concise form and with relevance to thedevelopment of new technology. The authors are encouraged to provide their opinion on the issues to stimulate further discussion and investigation. We hope that this publication will also stimulate further growth in this exciting field of cardiac electrophysiology.

The book presents the overview of the current knowledge in some fields of vascular biology, addressing cellular and molecular aspects of blood-vessel formation and their role in health and disease. The major factors involved in the formation of blood vessels are presented by scientists actively involved in this area of research. Special emphasis is put on the presentation of various molecular mechanisms not addressed in similar works to date. The book is divided into three parts. The first part describes the cells and mediators in angiogenesis. The significance of various populations of potential endothelial progenitors is particularly highlighted. The chapters of the second part focus on molecular mechanisms, with special emphasis on the role of hypoxia, gasotransmitters and reactive oxygen species as well as microRNAs in regulation of angiogenic processes. In the third part, the pathological aspects of disturbed aggravated or impaired vascularization are discussed and new modalities for potential therapies are presented. The book is intended for scientists and PhD students in the fields of vascular biology and cancer research. It may be of interest for medical professionals in the fields of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, oncology and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Physiological, pharmacological and molecular biological data generated over the past three decades have demonstrated the existence of two major families of extracellular receptors, the P1, a family of four G-protein coupled receptors and the P2, a family of at least 12 receptors responsive to purine (ATP, ADP) and pyrimidine (UTP) nucleotides through which adenosine and ATP can function as extracellular messengers. The present two-part volume represents an integrated compendium of invited chapters by leading researchers in the area focusing on advances in the understanding of purinergic and pyrimidinergic signaling systems, their role(s) in tissue function and pathophysiology and advances in developing potential new medications based on the modulation of P1 and P2 receptor signaling processes. The volumes will thus provide the reader with a topical, comprehensive and integrated overview of this important area.

A comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of the biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, physiology, and pathology of natriuretic peptides. Written by the foremost researchers in the field, the reviews range from describing the actions of these peptides on the kidney, adrenal gland, vasculature, and brain, to their effects on immune regulation, reproduction, and cell growth. Special attention is given to the potential involvement of these hormones in clinical pathology and to their possible therapeutic use. Especially enlightening is the first-time review of molecular understanding of key cellular signaling pathways and of the importance of the vascular smooth muscle-endothelial interface.

In addition to its central role in blood coagulation, it has become increasingly apparent that thrombin and thrombin receptors are involved in many other physiological processes and can contribute to a variety of disease states such as tumor progression and metastasis, inflammation, neurological disorders and cardiovascular complications. This book is a collection of reviews of up-to-date information on the above topics by leaders in these fields. This book will be of value to researchers and academic professionals both in basic and clinical science who are interested in the fields of biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, pharmacology, cancer, inflammation, angiogenesis, cardiovascular system and neuronal system. These areas of research are prime target areas for drug development by many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

In Heart Cell Communication in Health and Disease an extensive review of different aspects of heart cell communication is presented. The book starts with the fundamental concept that cardiac cells are communicated, and then proceeds to the role of gap junctions in heart development, the molecular biology of gap junctions, the biophysics of the intercellular channels, the control of junctional conductance and the influence of gap junctions on impulse propagation. This is the first time that a single volume has described cell communication in the normal heart and under different pathological conditions such as heart failure, coronary disease, myocardial ischemia and cardiac arrhythmias. In this way the process of cell communication is analyzed at different levels of complexity, providing the reader with a wide view of this field and its relevance to cardiology.

The field of neural control of breathing has advanced rapidly in the past two decades, with the emergence of many new and promising research directions of increasing sophistication. The complexity and diversity of the current methodologies signify its remarkable vivacity, albeit at the price of much confusion. Captured in this book are the broad and intricate nature of the field and its multifaceted frontiers, including aspects of genetics, cell and molecular biology, comparative biology, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, imaging, human physiology in health and disease, and influence of environmental factors. Major topics include chemosensitivity, respiratory sensation, respiratory neurons, rhythmogenesis, plasticity, development, chemoreflex and exercise, respiratory instability and variability with behavioral and sleep states, etc., which are systematically laid out in the book for easy referencing.

It is remarkable how much we take for granted the tremendous energy and vitality that the sun provides earth's inhabitants. As we enter the new millennium, it is worthwhile to review how our ancestors perceived the biologic effects of sunlight, and how science and medicine have advanced our knowledge about the biologic effects of light. At the turn of the century, a multitude of investigators explored the use of sunlight and artificial radiation for treating a multitude of diseases. These explorations gave rise to photodynamic therapy, phototherapy, and chemophototherapy. However, enthusiasm for using sunlight and artificial radiation to treat disease was dampened with the birth of pharmacology. It was the goal of the Fifth International Arnold Rikli Symposium on the Biologic Effects of Light, held in Basel, Switzerland, on November 1-3, 1998, to review the history of phototherapy and have some of the world's leading experts on the biologic effects of light provide new perspectives on the positive and negative effects of light. The general topics included a broad range of biologic effects of sunlight, artificial ultraviolet radiation and electromagnetic radiation. Special sessions on radiation and vitamin D and bone health, photoimmunology, biopositive effects of UV radiation, effects of electromagnetic currents and fields, and ocular and non-ocular regulation of circadian rhythms and melatonin, should be of particular interest to readers of Biologic Effects of Light.

Physiological, pharmacological and molecular biological data generated over the past three decades have demonstrated the existence of two major families of extracellular receptors, the P1, a family of four G-protein coupled receptors and the P2, a family of at least 12 receptors responsive to purine (ATP, ADP) and pyrimidine (UTP) nucleotides through which adenosine and ATP can function as extracellular messengers. The present two-part volume represents an integrated compendium of invited chapters by leading researchers in the area focusing on advances in the understanding of purinergic and pyrimidinergic signaling systems, their role(s) in tissue function and pathophysiology and advances in developing potential new medications based on the modulation of P1 and P2 receptor signaling processes. The volumes will thus provide the reader with a topical, comprehensive and integrated overview of this important area.

This book examines how post-transcriptional mechanisms control endocrine function. This includes newly identified regulatory mechanisms involved in hormone biosynthesis, control of hormone receptors and the outputs of hormone mediated signal transduction. Chapters address endocrine hormones including protein peptide/peptide, steroid, and non-steroidal hormones. The impacts of these mechanisms on disease and health are covered, providing a novel update to the scientific literature. Post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms play an essential role in controlling dynamic gene expression. The outcome of this regulation includes control of the amount, timing, and location of protein expression. Regulation is mediated by cis-acting RNA sequences and structures and transacting RNA binding proteins and non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs. Recent advances in characterization of these regulatory factors have revealed enormous regulatory potential.

The field of clinical proteomics has rapidly evolved during the past few years and is continuously growing as new methodologies and technologies emerge. In Clinical Proteomics, a select group of leading researchers has contributed their state-of-the-art methodologies on protein profiling and identification of disease biomarkers in tissues, microdissected cells and body fluids. Experimental approaches involving the application of two-dimensional electrophoresis, multi-dimensional liquid chromatography, SELDI/MALDI mass spectrometry and protein arrays, as well as the bioinformatic and statistical tools pertinent to the analysis of proteomics data, are thoroughly detailed in these readily reproducible methods and protocols, explained through the step-by-step instructional format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series.

The Sixth International Meeting on Cholinesterases and Related Proteins, Choli nesterases '98, was organized by Palmer Taylor and his associates at the University of California-San Diego and convened in La Jolla, California, USA, in March of 1998. This was the first conference of the series to be held in the United States, let alone on the Pa cific Rim. Nearly 200 delegates from twenty countries-from Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America-heard 75 oral presentations and viewed 90 posters on current research on cholinesterases and related proteins. The meeting framework was structured to include two days of plenary sessions, followed by two days of concurrent sessions and workshops in specific areas. Communication at the concurrent sessions was facilitated by the conference settings of the Martin Johnson House, on a scenic bluff overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean, and the San Diego Supercomputer Center, which enabled projection and rotation of protein structures in three dimensions for a large audience. This book is the compilation of the presentations at the Sixth International Meeting on Cholinesterases and Related Proteins into a volume that describes recent investigations on the structure, catalytic and non-catalytic functions of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and related proteins, as well as studies on the molecular and cellular biology of these enzymes and the genes that encode them."

Mitochondria from mammalian tissues possess an elaborate system for 2+ 2+ transporting Ca across their inner membrane which consists of Ca import, 2+ via the Ca uniporter, in response to the mitochondrial membrane 2+ + potential ?? and of Ca release by an antiport system in exchange for H + 9,23 or Na (see Fig. l) . Because the uniporter is dependent upon the external 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ Ca concentration ([Ca ]), mitochondria accumulate Ca until the [Ca ] o o 2+ decreases to the level at which the uniporter activity balances the Ca efflux. 2+ The [Ca ] at which the uniporter and efflux activities are equal is defined o the "setpoint" andcorresponds to values between 0.3-3M. 2+ Figure 1. The Ca transport system of the inner membrane of mammalian mitochondria. U, + 2+ + + uniporter. I, Na -independent efflux mechanism or Ca /2H exchanger. D, Na -dependent 2+ + efflux mechanism or Ca /2Na exchanger. PTP, permeability transition pore. FP, 11 flavoprotein. ?? membrane potential. ? pH gradient. Adapted from .

Information flow as nerve impulses in neuronal circuits is regulated at synapses. The synapse is therefore a key element for information processing in the brain. Much attention has been given to fast synaptic transmission, which predominantly regulates impulse-to-impulse transmission. Slow synaptic transmission and modu lation, however, sometimes have been neglected in considering and attempting to understand brain function. Slow synaptic potentials and modulation occur with a considerable delay in response to the accumulation of synaptic and modulatory inputs. In these contexts, they are plastic in nature and play important roles in information processing in the brain. A symposium titled "Slow Synaptic Responses and Modulation" was held as the satellite symposium to the 75th Annual Meeting of the Physiological Society of Japan on March 30-31, 1998, in Kanazawa. The theme was selected not only for the reason mentioned above, but also because of the considerable involvement of many Japanese scholars in establishing the basic issues. Following the dawn of synaptic physiological research, as Sir John Eccles, Sir Bernard Katz, and Professor Stephen Kuffler carried out pioneer work, Professor Kyozou Koketsu and Professor Benjamin Libet, the students of Sir John Eccles, and their colleagues established the concept of slow synaptic responses and modulation by studying vertebrate sympathetic ganglia. Since then, the concept has been ex panded with detailed investigations of both peripheral and central synapses at the levels of single ion channels, intracellular Ca"+ dynamics, intracellular transduc tion mechanisms, and genes.

Currently, the health of over half the adult population in the UK suffers because of fat. The UK is not alone: obesity is a global problem, but the populations of some countries are heavier than others. This book probes the chemistry of fat in our bodies, providing a unique insight into understanding obesity, and how this material becomes accumulated to cause obesity with particular emphasis on the contribution of nutrition beyond calories. It visits the current hot topic of the genetic origins of obesity and progresses through to the relatively under publicised field of epigenetics, emphasising its importance to understanding the current epidemic. Coming in the wake of the establishment of international collaborations, the book aims to quantify the extent of the contribution of nutritional deficiencies to body weight gain. Yet even before these studies begin some important links have been identified and the molecular mechanisms by which they induce obesity have been mapped. This information reveals a serious problem for the next generation, but it is expected to provide the necessary information to tackle the obesity epidemic. Based on an extensive review of scientific literature, this topical book is written in a way that is accessible to the non-specialist. Suitable for the general public, the principal focus of the book is to advance the public understanding and awareness of science through the high interest subject of obesity. However, many universities recommend public understanding of science texts to students as a means of broadening general knowledge and as a means to emphasise to students the importance of communicating their research to the public. This book will be instrumental in developing this knowledge.

Diet and Nutrition in Neurological Disorders offers readers a comprehensive reference on the effect of dietary regimes in a wide variety of neurological diseases. With coverage of different types of diets, including Mediterranean or DASH, this broad coverage allows readers to learn about diets and their affect on specific disorders which may well be relevant to other conditions. This includes diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS and severe neurological conditions such as brain injury, stroke, headache and migraine. This volume provides a platform for research on new dietary regimes and on future investigations of diet and nutrition.

F. Schweda and A. Kurtz: Regulation of Renin Release by Local and Systemic Factors M. Krauss and V. Haucke: Shaping Membranes for Endocytosis B.M. Jockusch and P.L. Graumann: The Long Journey: Actin on the Road to Pro- and Eukaryotic Cells B. Colsoul, R. Vennekens and B. Nilius: Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Cation Channels in Pancreatic ss cells