Strictly speaking, the term regulatory peptides may include any peptide which has a regulatory function in any organism. In recent years, how ever, the term has come to mean those originally classified as brain-gut peptides. The peptides initially defined as those belonging to the brain gut axis had a dual location in neurones of the brain and endocrine cells of the gut. We now include a number of neuropeptides found in the autonomic nervous system of the gut, the cardiovascular system and other systems. To many scientists comparative physiology means comparison of the mechanisms of certain functions in the rat, the guinea-pig, the cat and maybe some other mammal. If the philosophy is that man is the centre of the universe and other mammals can be used as 'models' of man, this may well be the most useful way to study the functions of the human being, without actually chopping somebody up. However, with a some what wider perspective on life, it is easy to see the importance of a full understanding of the function of all living organisms, in its own right as well as a link in the evolution towards individuals able to survive and reproduce in very different environments. The importance of com parative studies in all living organisms cannot be emphasized too much. It has been the ambition with this book to treat all animals as equally important.

The definitive guide to peptidomics- a hands-on lab reference The first truly comprehensive book about peptidomics for protein and peptide analysis, this reference provides a detailed description of the hows and whys of peptidomics and how the techniques have evolved. With chapters contributed by leading experts, it covers naturally occurring peptides, peptidomics methods and new developments, and the peptidomics approach to biomarker discovery. Explaining both the principles and the applications, Peptidomics: Methods and Applications: * Features examples of applications in diverse fields, including pharmaceutical science, toxicity biomarkers, and neuroscience * Details the successful peptidomic analyses of biological material ranging from plants to mammals * Describes a cross section of analytical techniques, including traditional methodologies, emerging trends, and new techniques for high throughput approaches An enlightening reference for experienced professionals, this book is sufficiently detailed to serve as a step-by-step guide for beginning researchers and an excellent resource for students taking biotechnology and proteomics courses. It is an invaluable reference for protein chemists and biochemists, professionals and researchers in drug and biopharmaceutical development, analytical and bioanalytical chemists, toxicologists, and others.

Comparative Physiology and Evolution of the Autonomic Nervous System, the fourth volume in the Autonomic Nervous System series, is an up-to-date account of the comparative physiology and functional anatomy of the autonomic nervous system, with an emphasis on non-mammalian vertebrates. The book starts with an overview of the field and then discusses both 'classical' (adrenergic and cholinergic) non-adrenergic and non-cholinergic (NANC) types of neurotransmission. The account is then further developed by an examination of the autonomic nervous control of specific systems and organs. Readership: Researchers, working professionals, undergraduates and graduates working in neurology, cardiology, internal medicine, clinical pharmacology, and hypertension.

The Antarctic fish fauna has evolved over a long period of geographic and climatic isolation. In the course of this evolution, Antarctic fish have developed specialized adaptations, some of which characterize these organisms as unique. In strong contrast to the continental shelf faunas elsewhere, the Antarctic shelf ichthyofauna is dominated by a single highly endemic group, the Notothenioidei. This group of perciform fish probably first appeared and diversified in the early Tertiary. The development of the Polar Front (referred to as the Antarctic Convergence in the older literature) resulted in a natural oceanographic barrier to migration in either direction, and thus became a key factor in the evolution of Antarctic fish. The dominance of the Antarctic continental shelf fauna by a single taxonomic group of fish provides a simplified natural laboratory for exploring the wealth of physiological, biochemical and ecological adaptations that characterize the fauna. Understanding of the patterns of adaptation in this highly specialized group of fish can tell us much about of evolution.

Hypo- or hypersecretion, alteration in storage, release, catabolism, and post-translational processing of neuropeptides are associated with the etiology of many diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Various peptides native to the brain and the spinal cord, as well as various synthetic peptides, peptide analogues and peptidomimetics developed as their agonists or antagonists could be useful in the treatment of these CNS maladies. However, peptides face a formidable obstacle in reaching the intended site of action due to the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a vital element in the regulation of the internal environment of the brain and the spinal cord. After reviews on the role and neuropharmaceutical potential of peptides, properties of the BBB in the context of peptide transport in the CNS and potential transport mechanisms to cross the BBB, this volume discusses the development, present state-of-the-art and future trends of various strategies to overcome this major obstacle to peptide pharmacotherapy involving the CNS. Chapters are devoted to cover invasive approaches that circumvent the BBB by direct administration into the brain or the spinal cord and by transiently opening the tight junctions of or permeabilizing the endothelial cells separating the systemic circulation from the interstitial fluid of the CNS. Subsequently, physiologically based strategies that utilize biological carriers to gain access to the CNS are discussed in detail, followed by methods encompassing prodrug and chemical delivery/targeting strategies, which aim at altering the properties of the peptide to enhance BBB transport, and drug delivery strategies based on peptide vectors. Finally, a comparative evaluation on the present status and perspectives of the techniques is presented.

The Cardiovascular System, Part B

International Review of Cytology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology-both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for future research.

This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. In recent years there has been increasing interest and, subsequently, active research in neuropeptides. These neuroactive molecules coordinate, integrate, and regulate physiological processes in all organisms, throughout all phases of development. Acting as neurohormones, neurotransmitters, and/or neuromodulators, they maintain physiological homeostasis and influence important behavioral patterns. This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. The book is divided into two parts. In Part I the author defines the basic principles of neuropeptide action, including their biosynthesis, processing, transport, distribution, and interactions with receptors and second messenger systems. Strand also discusses the intimate interaction between the neuropeptides, stress, and the immune system. In Part II she discusses the regulatory functions of the families of neuropeptide in sufficient detail to provide both the advanced student and senior investigator with a thorough understanding of the most important neuropeptides. The text also contains a complete and up-to-date reference/reading list.

The hagfishes comprise a uniform group of some 60 species inhabiting the cool or deep parts of the oceans of both hemispheres. They are considered the most primitive representatives of the group of craniate chordates, which - apart from the hagfishes that show no traces of verte brae -includes all vertebrate animals. Consequently the hagfishes have played and still playa central role in discussions concerning the evolution of the vertebrates. Although most of the focus on hagfishes may be the result of their being primitive, it should not be forgotten that, at the same time, they are specialized animals with a unique way of life that is interesting in its own right. It is now more than 30 years since a comprehensive treatise on hagfishes was published. The Biology of Myxine, edited by Alf Brodal and Ragnar Fange (Universitetsforlaget, Oslo, 1963), provided a wealth of information on the biology of hagfishes, and over the years remained a major source of information and inspiration to students of hagfishes.

`The book is important for those involved in aquaculture and those wishing to learn more about the effects of non-infectious disorders and the mechanisms of response within fish and is thoroughly recommended.' Journal of Fish Diseases --