This book covers basic aspects of the molecular biology, biochemistry and pharmacology of the plasminogen-plasmin (fibrinolytic) system. Individual chapters, written by well-known experts in the field, are devoted to plasminogen and its activation, the tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), the urinary-type-plasminogen activator (uPA), inhibitors of the fibrinolytic system, and the assembly of fibrinolytic constituents on cell surfaces. The major part of the book deals with the therapeutic use of thrombolytic agents in myocardial infarction, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, peripheral arterial occlusions and stroke. The newest thrombolytic agents are discussed in depth. Results of major clinical trials up to the end of 1999 are critically evaluated. The volume is a modern up-to-date presentation of the entire field of the treatment of arterial and venous thromboses with thrombolytic agents.

Building on the previous edition with contributions from internationally renowned experts this book provides a fully comprehensive resource for managing the post emergency/treatment stage of acute poisoning. Chapters incorporate evidence-based paradigms with up-to-date citations from the original medical literature. Topic areas covered include: diagnosis and management of the critically poisoned patient, including pediatric patients and poisoning in pregnancy; toxic syndromes including hepatotoxic and pulmonary syndromes as well as poisonings from medications, drugs of abuse, chemical and biological agents. This book is an essential resource for Clinical Toxicologists, Intensivists and Emergency Medicine specialists in training and in practice.

A comprehensive guide to general strategies and specific methods for testing the immunotoxicity of chemicals in animal models and humans. Addressed to those seeking a basic introduction to the field as well as specialist researchers the book takes its focus from growing concern in scientific and public communities about the capacity of environmental agents to disrupt normal immune functions and thus increase susceptibility to tumours and infectious diseases. Compounds known to adversely affect the immune system are numerous and include drugs pesticides solvents halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons and metals. The book draws on considerable recent progress in understanding the immunological consequences of chemical insults as well as increasingly sophisticated methodologies for assessing such effects. Close to 1000 references are included in this authoritative guide. The book opens with a detailed basic introduction to immunotoxicology. An extensive explanation of the function histophysiology and pathophysiology of the immune system emphasizes features that can aid the understanding and interpretation of the pathological changes caused by immunotoxic insults. Chapter two on the health impact of selected immunotoxic agents gives illustrative examples for some 30 chemicals that have been shown to exert immunotoxic effects in laboratory animals and for an additional seven groups of chemicals known to disturb immune functions in humans. For each brief discussions illustrate the chemical's distinct immunosuppressive properties and the mechanisms by which it exerts its toxic effects on the immune system. Chapter three provides detailed descriptions of a number of tests used in a tiered approach to the assessment of immunotoxicity. Against this background specific nonfunctional and functional tests for the assessment of immunotoxicology in experimental animals are presented and explained in full detail. Information on individual tests includes an explanation of why the test is important the types of data it can yield and exactly how it should be performed. Also included are sections offering advice on assessments in non-rodent species "in vitro "approaches and approaches using biomarkers in epidemiological studies and monitoring. The chapter concludes with a discussion of good laboratory practices for immunotoxicology studies and procedures for the validation of tests. Chapter five explains the much more complicated procedures needed to assess immunotoxicity in humans. An explanation of general questions to be considered when designing epidemiological studies is followed by presentation of three recommended testing schemes proposed by WHO and other agencies for preliminary evaluation of individuals exposed to immunotoxicants. Specific assays for assessing immune status are also described. The final chapter outlines a step-by-step process of risk assessment specific to the evaluation of potentially immunotoxic chemicals.