Cardiovascular Biology of Purines
Cardiovascular Biology of Purines

Author: Geoffrey Burnstock

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 1461556031

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Following many years when a great deal of attention was directed towards the intracellular roles of purines, there is expanding interest in the field of extracellular purinergic signalling. In this book we focus on the actions of purines in cardiovascular biology, where it is clear that they play major roles in both normal and pathophysiological conditions. Activation of different purinoceptor subtypes by purines can regulate cardiac contractility and electrical activity, modulate catecholamine-mediated responses both pre- and post-junctionally, trigger and mediate ischaemic preconditioning, cause vasodilation and vasoconstriction and enhance endothelial proliferation and apoptosis as well as inhibit platelet and neutrophil function. This book covers the cardiovascular actions mediated by the major P1 and P2 subclasses of purinoceptors and emphasizes the interactions between these two signalling systems. Cardiovascular Biology of Purines covers topics ranging from molecular and cellular to systemic and clinical. It also aims to highlight how basic advances have led to the identification of novel targets for cardiovascular therapeutic developments. We hope that our book will prove to be timely and helpful.

Purines and Myocardial Protection
Purines and Myocardial Protection

Author: Anwar-Saad A. Abd-Elfattah

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 1996-01-31

Total Pages: 596

ISBN-13: 9780792338314

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A critical review of the most up-to-date research on purines and myocardial protection. The role of purines in reversible `myocardial stunning' and irreversible (myocardial infarction) ischemic injury, ventricular arrhythmias, and ischemic preconditioning is discussed in detail, by experts. All reviews address recent and rather controversial issues on purines and myocardial protection. Mechanisms of cardioprotection of exogenous versus endogenous purines are discussed in detail. The contribution of internationally recognized experts in the field of purines and cardiovascular physiology and in myocardial protection makes this a unique and interesting book for clinicians, basic scientists and students.

Purines: Basic and Clinical Aspects
Purines: Basic and Clinical Aspects

Author: T.W. Stone

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2012-11-06

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9789401057417

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Many groups of biologically important compounds experience cycles of furious research activity and near oblivion. The purines however seem not to be falling into such a pattern. Interest seems to be continuing almost exponentially with no sign of diminution. The result is a frighteningly extensive literature and an increas ing demand for international conferences and symposia. Unfortunately meetings such as these also spawn increasingly voluminous proceedings and it becomes more and more difficult for a newcomer to the area, or a non specialist, to obtain the general introductory survey he needs. This volume therefore is not intended to be comprehensive - far from it. We have tried to be selective in the material presented and the references quoted. They should provide a quick guide and access to key works in the literature which can be expanded by library or computerised searching. We hope that our efforts will widen the appreciation of purines as biologically important substances and will herald the day when more purine related drugs than the handful currently available are used for the selective treatment of disease. We are grateful to the many authors and publishers who have given permission to reproduce figures or quote unpublished results, and to Anne Stone for her patient typing of the manuscript.

The Endothelium
The Endothelium

Author: Michel Félétou

Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 309

ISBN-13: 1615041230

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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

Caffeine for the Sustainment of Mental Task Performance
Caffeine for the Sustainment of Mental Task Performance

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2002-01-07

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 0309082587

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This report from the Committee on Military Nutrition Research reviews the history of caffeine usage, the metabolism of caffeine, and its physiological effects. The effects of caffeine on physical performance, cognitive function and alertness, and alleviation of sleep deprivation impairments are discussed in light of recent scientific literature. The impact of caffeine consumption on various aspects of health, including cardiovascular disease, reproduction, bone mineral density, and fluid homeostasis are reviewed. The behavioral effects of caffeine are also discussed, including the effect of caffeine on reaction to stress, withdrawal effects, and detrimental effects of high intakes. The amounts of caffeine found to enhance vigilance and reaction time consistently are reviewed and recommendations are made with respect to amounts of caffeine appropriate for maintaining alertness of military personnel during field operations. Recommendations are also provided on the need for appropriate labeling of caffeine-containing supplements, and education of military personnel on the use of these supplements. A brief review of some alternatives to caffeine is also provided.