Our research at the Freiburg Physiological Institute over the past 25 years has demonstrated that specific calcium antagonists interfere with all physiological and pathophysiological reactions involving the heart and vessels in which an elevated inflow of calcium ions across the potential-dependent slow membrane channels into the cells is a decisive factor. From the outset, our therapeutic interest has centred on the possibility of inhibiting excessively high levels of transmembrane cal- cium influx and thereby reducing the pathogenic consequences of intra- cellular calcium overload. For example, all excessive calcium influx evokes contractile hyperactivity, which manifests itself in the myocardial fibres as hyperkinetic reactions and an uneconomic rise in oxygen de- mand and, analogously, in vascular smooth muscle cells as increased tonus and spasm. The therapeutic use of calcium antagonists to inhibit excessive mechanical and metabolic activity in the myocardium and to achieve prophylaxis and lysis in smooth muscle spasm was therefore a logical step. The highest potencies of calcium antagonists were found in the vas- cular smooth musculature (coronary, cerebral, mesenteric and renal arteries and other systemic resistance vessels). Consequently, calcium antagonists were recognized as the agents of choice for numerous indica- tions for vascular therapy. It is well established that calcium ions are also essential for the generation of impulses in cardiac pacemaker cells and for the conduc- tion of electrical charges.

Held at Boppard, Germany, October 3-6, 1984

Distinguished scientists and members of the medical profession discuss the research and development of safe and suitable drugs for the long-term treatment of chronic diseases. The book provides an up-to-date survey on new insights and technologies - as well as ethical considerations - , since traditional means and methods of drug research and drug development may no longer suffice to meet the challenges of the next century.

The decoy and waterfowling history of this important region along the south Atlantic coast is thoroughly presented in this comprehensive study. Decoys of the eastern shore of Virginia and North Carolina are among the most collectible in the decoy market today. Much of the history of east coast gunning clubs began in this area. Henry Fleckenstein has combined information about decoys from this region and the South Carolina coast with his excellent photographs to produce an invaluable volume which each decoy collector and historian of the south Atlantic region will want on his shelf. All the major makers of decoys here and makers from other areas whose decoys were used here are listed with pertinent biographical data and interesting stories. 559 black and white and 64 color plates beautifully illustrate the text.