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

We present to our readers the proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Phosphate. A short account of the history of the effort led to the Phosphate Workshops is appro priate and can be of interest to the reader. The idea for Phosphate Workshops was born in the early days of November, 1974. One of us (S. G. M. ) suggested the thought to a group of scientists gathered for a luncheon in one of the attrac tive small restaurants in Weisbaden, Germany. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together interested scientists to discuss the newer developments and the recent advances in the field of phosphate metabolism and the other related minerals. An Organizing Committee made of Shaul G. Massry (USA), Louis V. Avioli (USA), Philippe Bordier (France), Herbert Fleisch (Switzerland), and Eduardo Slatopolsky (USA) was formed. The First Workshop was held in Paris during June 5-6, 1975 and was hosted by Dr. Philippe Bordier. Its proceeding was already published. The Second Workshop took place in Heidelberg during June 28-30, 1976 and was hosted by Dr. Eberhard Ritz. Both of these workshops were extremely successful scientific endeavors, and the need for them was demonstrated by the great interest they generated among the scientific community. The Or ganizing Committee, therefore, decided to continue with the tradi tion to hold additional Workshops annually or every other year.

Basic Physiology is an introduction to vertebrate physiology, stressing human physiology at the organ level, and includ ing requisite anatomy integrated with function. One chapter deals solely with topographic anatomy in atlas form and microscopic anatomy of the principal tissues of the body. Additional chapters cover cellular and general physiology; nervous system, muscle; blood and tissue fluids, heart and circulation; respiration, digestion and absorption; intermedi ary metabolism; energy metabolism; temperature regulation; nutrition; kidney; endocrinology, including hypophysis, re production; thyroids, parathyroids, adrenals and pancreas. All concepts are emphasized and well illustrated, and con troversial material is omitted. It is written at a level suited to undergraduate students who have had introductory courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, and to more ad vanced students who wish to review the basic concepts of physiology. This volume should be especially useful as a text for de partments of biology, zoology, nursing, health, and agricul tural sciences that offer courses in vertebrate and human physiology. Basic Physiology is written by seven subject matter special ists who have considerable experience in teaching their specialty to undergraduates studying physiology and biology.

This first-ever Surgeon General's Report on bone health and osteoporosis illustrates the large burden that bone disease places on our Nation and its citizens. Like other chronic diseases that disproportionately affect the elderly, the prevalence of bone disease and fractures is projected to increase markedly as the population ages. If these predictions come true, bone disease and fractures will have a tremendous negative impact on the future well-being of Americans. But as this report makes clear, they need not come true: by working together we can change the picture of aging in America. Osteoporosis, fractures, and other chronic diseases no longer should be thought of as an inevitable part of growing old. By focusing on prevention and lifestyle changes, including physical activity and nutrition, as well as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, Americans can avoid much of the damaging impact of bone disease and other chronic diseases. This Surgeon General's Report brings together for the first time the scientific evidence related to the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of bone disease. More importantly, it provides a framework for moving forward. The report will be another effective tool in educating Americans about how they can promote bone health throughout their lives. This first-ever Surgeon General's Report on bone health and osteoporosis provides much needed information on bone health, an often overlooked aspect of physical health. This report follows in the tradition of previous Surgeon Generals' reports by identifying the relevant scientific data, rigorously evaluating and summarizing the evidence, and determining conclusions.

Hormones provides a comprehensive treatment of human hormones viewed in the light of modern theories of hormone action and in the context of current understanding of subcellular and cellular architecture and classical organ physiology. The book begins with discussions of the first principles of hormone action and the seven classes of steroid hormones and their chemistry, biosynthesis, and metabolism. These are followed by separate chapters that address either a classical endocrine system, e.g., hypothalamic hormones, posterior pituitary hormones, anterior pituitary hormones, ,thyroid hormones, pancreatic hormones, gastrointestinal hormones, calcium regulating hormones, adrenal corticoids, hormones of the adrenal medulla, androgens, estrogens and progestins, and pregnancy and lactation hormones; or newer domains of hormone action which are essential to a comprehensive understanding of hormone action, including prostaglandins, thymus hormones, and pineal hormones. The book concludes with a presentation of hormones of the future, i.e., cell growth factors. This book is intended for use by first-year medical students, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates in the biological sciences. It is also hoped that this book will fill the void that exists for resource materials for teaching cellular and molecular endocrinology and that it will be employed as an equal partner with most standard biochemistry textbooks to provide a comprehensive and balanced coverage of this realm of biology.

The Aging Skeleton is a comprehensive and timely book on all aspects of the skeleton as it ages, including basic mechanisms and pathways as well as pathobiology. Chapters cover general aspects and models of aging, determinants and maintenance of peak bone mass, mechanisms of age-related bone loss, quantifiable manifestations of age-related bone loss, fractures, and therapeutics. - Covers all aspects of the aging skeleton in one comprehensive volume - Looks at the influence of genetics, nutrition, environment, hormones, and other factors on bone mass - Provides a thorough discussion of fractures, one of the major consequences of the aging skeleton - Reviews current therapeutic approaches and methods - Written by internationally renowned authors and edited by leaders in the field - Is the only book available on this subject

This book explains the pharmacological relationships between the various systems in the human body. It offers a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology concerning the autonomic, central, and peripheral nervous systems. Presenting up-to-date information on chemical mediators and their significance, it highlights the therapeutic aspects of several diseases affecting the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrinal, and hematopoietic systems. The book also includes drug therapy for microbial and neoplastic diseases. It also comprises sections on immunopharmacology, dermatological, and ocular pharmacology providing valuable insights into these emerging and recent topics. Covering the diverse groups of drugs acting on different systems, the book reviews their actions, clinical uses, adverse effects, interactions, and subcellular mechanisms of action. It is divided into 11 parts, subdivided into several chapters that evaluate the basic pharmacological principles that govern the different types of body systems. This book is intended for academicians, researchers, and clinicians in industry and academic institutions in pharmaceutical, pharmacological sciences, pharmacy, medical sciences, physiology, neurosciences, biochemistry, molecular biology and other allied health sciences.

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

The Nutrition and Health Series of books have had great success because each volume has the consistent overriding mission of providing health professionals with texts that are essential because each includes (1) a synthesis of the state of the science; (2) timely, in-depth reviews by the leading researchers in their respective fields; (3) extensive, - to-date fully annotated reference lists; (4) a detailed index; (5) relevant tables and figures; (6) identification of paradigm shifts and the consequences; (7) virtually no overlap of information between chapters, but targeted, interchapter referrals; (8) suggestions of areas for future research; and (9) balanced, data-driven answers to patient/health prof- sionals’ questions that are based on the totality of evidence rather than the findings of any single study. The series volumes are not the outcome of a symposium. Rather, each editor has the potential to examine a chosen area with a broad perspective, both in subject matter as well as in the choice of chapter authors. The international perspective, especially with regard to public health initiatives, is emphasized where appropriate. The editors, whose trainings are both research- and practice-oriented, have the opportunity to develop a primary objective for their book; define the scope and focus, and then invite the leading authorities from around the world to be part of their initiative. The authors are encouraged to provide an overview of the field, discuss their own research, and relate the research findings to potential human health consequences.