Kinins

Kinins
Author: Michael Bader
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter
Total Pages: 389
Release: 2011-11-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 311025235X

This handbook of kinin biology and biochemistry covers the current knowledge of kinins, a family of peptides involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes. Recent publications have shown that the kinin system is highly relevant in a variety of disease states such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and traumatic injuries. Furthermore, the first drug targeting system has just been approved for clinical use. The goal of this book is to provide advanced students and researchers a basic understanding of the kinin system and its role within the various organ systems. The authors of this book are experts in their fields, including a Nobel Laureate.

Catecholamine Research

Catecholamine Research
Author: Toshiharu Nagatsu
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 577
Release: 2013-06-29
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1475735383

This book is based on invited presentations at the Ninth International Catecholamine Symposiwn. Over several decades, each International Catecholamine Symposiwn (ICS) has provided a uniquely important forwn for updating basic as well as clinical research on the catecholamines, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The first ICS took nd n1 place in Bethesda, Maryland, in the USA in 1958; the 2 in Milan, Italy in 1965; the 3 th in Strasbourg, France in 1973; the 4th in Asilomar, California, USA in 1978; the 5 in th th Goteborg, Sweden in 1983; the 6 in Jerusalem, Israel,in 1987; the 7 in Amsterdam, th Netherlands in 1992; and the 8 in Asilomar, California, USA in 1996. th The 9 International Catecholamine Symposiwn (9ICS) was held in Kyoto, Japan, th March 31-April 5, 2001. This ICS was held concurrently with the 5 International th Conference on Progress in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease (5 ADPD). These international meetings were coordinated to be a joint international congress. Catecholamines and related neurotransmitters and neuromediators play important roles in the pathogenesis of symptoms and neurodegenerative processes of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Therefore, the Joint Congress provided an opportunity for investigators and clinicians working in these fields to exchange theirĀ· most recent investigational results and clinical experiences. This Joint International Congress turned out to be an enormous success, attended by 1258 participants from 38 countries, in an enthusiastic and pleasant atmosphere.

Arachidonic Acid in Cell Signaling

Arachidonic Acid in Cell Signaling
Author: Daniele Piomelli
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 243
Release: 2013-04-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3662058073

This book is about the arachidonic acid cascade, its biochemistry, its pharmacology, and its roles in signal transduction. Arachidonic acid may serve as an intracellular second messenger in many cell types, as well as precursor for biologically active molecules such as the eicosanoids (a family of oxygenated metabolites that may act as second messengers or as local mediators), and anandamide (an endogenous cannabinoid substance). Dysfunctions in the arachidonic acid cascade underlie a number of serious pathological conditions, making these biochemical pathways the target for drugs of clinical value.

Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Author: Arthur K. Cho
Publisher: Annual Reviews
Total Pages: 488
Release: 1999-04
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780824304393

Papers detail research and findings surrounding advances in the field. Topics include regulation and role in drug metabolism of cytochrome P- 450 3A4, molecular and pharmacologic regulation of the pineal gland, regulation of gene expression by reactive oxygen, cytotoxicity of short-chain alcohols, glial cells in neurotoxicity development, and regulation and inhibition of phospholipase A2. Other subjects include inhibition of nitric oxide synthase as a potential therapeutic target, genetic regulation of glutamate receptor ion channels, and teratology of retinoids. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Magnesium in the Central Nervous System

Magnesium in the Central Nervous System
Author: Robert Vink
Publisher: University of Adelaide Press
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2011
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0987073052

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. Indeed, it is perhaps the most complex structure we have ever encountered in nature. Both structurally and functionally, there are many peculiarities that differentiate the brain from all other organs. The brain is our connection to the world around us and by governing nervous system and higher function, any disturbance induces severe neurological and psychiatric disorders that can have a devastating effect on quality of life. Our understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of the brain has improved dramatically in the last two decades. In particular, the critical role of cations, including magnesium, has become evident, even if incompletely understood at a mechanistic level. The exact role and regulation of magnesium, in particular, remains elusive, largely because intracellular levels are so difficult to routinely quantify. Nonetheless, the importance of magnesium to normal central nervous system activity is self-evident given the complicated homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the concentration of this cation within strict limits essential for normal physiology and metabolism. There is also considerable accumulating evidence to suggest alterations to some brain functions in both normal and pathological conditions may be linked to alterations in local magnesium concentration. This book, containing chapters written by some of the foremost experts in the field of magnesium research, brings together the latest in experimental and clinical magnesium research as it relates to the central nervous system. It offers a complete and updated view of magnesiums involvement in central nervous system function and in so doing, brings together two main pillars of contemporary neuroscience research, namely providing an explanation for the molecular mechanisms involved in brain function, and emphasizing the connections between the molecular changes and behavior. It is the untiring efforts of those magnesium researchers who have dedicated their lives to unraveling the mysteries of magnesiums role in biological systems that has inspired the collation of this volume of work.