Calcium and Cell Function, Volume V emphasizes the roles of calcium in cellular functions. This book consists of eight chapters. Chapter 1 presents evidence for the role of calmodulin in cell proliferation. The role of calcium in the control of cyclic AMP metabolism in glial and pituitary tumor cells is analyzed in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 explains the evidence that calmodulin regulates neurotransmitter synthesis, while Chapter 4 deliberates the role of calcium in adipocytes. Chapter 5 is devoted to the modulatory function of lipomodulin in cellular phospholipid metabolism. The pharmacological properties of naphthalenesulfonamides as calmodulin antagonists, phophorylase kinase, and phospholipidsensitive calcium-dependent protein kinase are reviewed in the last chapters. This volume is valuable to biologists and medical practitioners interested in calcium and cell function.

Calcium Entry Channels in Non-Excitable Cells focuses on methods of investigating the structure and function of non-voltage gated calcium channels. Each chapter presents important discoveries in calcium entry pathways, specifically dealing with the molecular identification of store-operated calcium channels which were reviewed by earlier volumes in the Methods in Signal Transduction series. Crystallographic and pharmacological approaches to the study of calcium channels of epithelial cells are also discussed. Calcium ion is a messenger in most cell types. Whereas voltage gated calcium channels have been studied extensively, the non-voltage gated calcium entry channel genes have only been identified relatively recently. The book will fill this important niche.

Calcium and Cell Function, Volume 7 covers the signal transduction across the cell membrane. The book discusses phosphoinositides and calcium signaling; calmodulin-stimulated adenylate cyclases; and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases. The text also describes the regulation of gene expression by calcium; the dynamics of intracellular calcium concentration during mitosis; and the methods for the measurement of intracellular ionized calcium in mammalian cells. Pharmacologists, physiologists, and people involved in the study of calcium and cell function will find the book invaluable.

The endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells, constitutes the inner cellular lining of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and the lymphatic system, and therefore is in direct contact with the blood/lymph and the circulating cells. The endothelium is a major player in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation and vascular tone, a major actor in the regulation of immunology, inflammation and angiogenesis, and an important metabolizing and an endocrine organ. Endothelial cells controls vascular tone, and thereby blood flow, by synthesizing and releasing relaxing and contracting factors such as nitric oxide, metabolites of arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 pathways, various peptides (endothelin, urotensin, CNP, adrenomedullin, etc.), adenosine, purines, reactive oxygen species and so on. Additionally, endothelial ectoenzymes are required steps in the generation of vasoactive hormones such as angiotensin II. An endothelial dysfunction linked to an imbalance in the synthesis and/or the release of these various endothelial factors may explain the initiation of cardiovascular pathologies (from hypertension to atherosclerosis) or their development and perpetuation. Table of Contents: Introduction / Multiple Functions of the Endothelial Cells / Calcium Signaling in Vascular Cells and Cell-to-Cell Communications / Endothelium-Dependent Regulation of Vascular Tone / Conclusion / References

In aerobic tissues such as heart, brain, kidney, liver and brown fat, mitochon dria account for more than 20% of cell protein and play an essential role in res piration, ATP formation, ketogenesis, gluconeogenesis, amino acid metabolism, ureagenesis, thermogenesis and a variety of other metabolic activities. The mecha nisms by which these activities are integrated and regulated within the overall context of cellular physiology is of much current research interest. In order to bring together scientists examining the various diverse aspects of this overall pro blem, an International Conference on INTEGRATION OF MITOCHONDRIAL FUNC TION was held June 4-7, 1987 at the Hanes Art Center on the campus of the Uni versity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The chapters of this volume derive from presentations made at this conference. The focus of INTEGRATION OF MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION is on signifi cant new experimental and theoretical advances concerning integration of mito chondrial function at the organelle, cell, tissue and whole organism levels of organization.

Calcium And Cell Function, Volume II covers the status of the multifunctional role of calcium in cell function. The book discusses the chemistry and metabolism of calcium, the various calcium-binding proteins in addition to calmodulin; and the functions of calcium, some mediated by calmodulin and some by other proteins. Physiologists, oncologists, and biochemists will find the book invaluable.

Store-operated calcium channels are found in most animal cells and regulate many cellular functions including cell division, growth, differentiation, and cell death. This volume provides a concise and informative overview of the principles of store-operated calcium entry and the key developments in the field from researchers who have led these advances. The overall goal of the volume is to provide interested students and investigators with sufficient information to enable a broad understanding of the progress and current excitement in the field. The volume contains a wealth of information that even experienced investigators in the field will find useful. - The volume provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and functions of store-operated calcium channels - Contributors are authoritative researchers who have produced important advances in the field - The volume is well-illustrated with cartoons and data to facilitate easy comprehension of the subject

Calcium and Cell Function, Volume I: Calmodulin covers calmodulin-regulated functions. The book discusses the preparation, properties, structure, function, evolution, and structure-function relationships of calmodulin; and calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase. The text also describes the transport of calmodulin and plasma membrane calcium; the role of calmodulin and troponin in the regulation of phosphorylase kinase from mammalian skeletal muscle; and calcium-dependent protein phosphorylation in mammalian brain and other tissues. The role of calmodulin in dopaminergic transmission; the immunocytochemical localization of calmodulin in rat tissues; and the immunocytochemical studies of the localization of calmodulin and caM-BP80 in the brain are also considered. The book further tackles the mechanisms and pharmacological implications of altering calmodulin activity. Molecular cardiologists, biochemists, and pharmacologists will find the book invaluable.