The Brescia division of the Italian Association of Blood donors (AVIS Brescia) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1985. The idea of organizing a Postgraduate Course on Viral Hepatitis on this occasion developed for ob vious reasons. Viral hepatitis is a major concern in blood transfusion and Brescia is located in the region of Lombardy characterized by a high HBsAg carrier rate in its population. Thus it seemed timely to convene a scientific forum in which the present state of knowledge on viral hepatitis would be summarized. This would allow us to review the tremendous progress achieved over the last 15 years, and also to focus on latest developments which pave the way for future investigation. The publication of the proceedings of this meeting was considered use ful, since it provides a tangible reminder of a comprehensive overview of the broad topic of viral hepatitis, its complications, and its connections with the practice of blood transfusion. The organizers were fortunate in obtaining the active participation of recognized experts in a variety of hepatological diSCiplines. Their contri butions summarized the more mature areas of knowledge in the field, in cluding clinical aspects, epidemiology and morphology, as well as newer developments in the forefront of hepatitis research, like new diagnostic techniques, oncogenesis, treatment, and vaccination."

Molecular and Cell Biology of the Liver features the latest research findings regarding liver structure and function. A unique feature of the book is the brief science reviews that are included in each chapter which provide essential background information to allow readers to better grasp the subject matter within a chapter. The book covers liver biology from the molecular level to groups of liver cells and explains how groups of hepatocytes interact in similar microenvironments. Other important cell types found in the liver are also examined. Illustrations ranging from electron micrographs to fully rendered drawings act as visual aids to help readers understand complex structural-functional interactions. Molecular and Cell Biology of the Liver will benefit hepatologists, gastroenterologists, cell biologists, anatomists, toxicologists, and other researchers interested in liver structure and function.