This book focuses on the wide variety of intracellular events that occur as a result of endothelin receptor activation. This includes a discussion of the various pathways by which endothelin activates Ca2+ signals from several intra- and extracellular sources and the effects of endothelin on ion channels and membrane function. In addition, the mechanisms by which endothelin influences the ion transport within the renal epithelium are covered, as well as the signal transduction pathways activated by endothelin in both cardiac tissue and vascular smooth muscle.
This book focuses on the wide variety of intracellular events that occur as a result of endothelin receptor activation. This includes a discussion of the various pathways by which endothelin activates Ca[superscript 2+] signals from several intra- and extracellular sources and the effects of endothelin on ion channels and membrane function. In addition, the mechanisms by which endothelin influences the ion transport within the renal epithelium are covered as well as the signal transduction pathways activated by endothelin in both cardiac tissue and vascular smooth muscle.
Since the discovery of endothelin, major advances have been made in understanding the molecular structure and function of the endothelin receptors. At least two subtypes of receptors, designated ETA and ETB, have been identified through biochemical and pharmacological techniques. These subtypes are cloned and expressed and additional subtypes appear to exist. The biochemical events involved in the signal transduction processes that ultimately activate the cellular machinery involved in the end-organ responses are presented, as are the mechanisms by which the receptors recognize specific and different G-proteins. Functions mediated by the receptors at the cellular, tissue and, organ level are reviewed in detail, as well as the roles that they may play a part in the physiologic and pathophysiologic processes in animals and in humans. This book is unique in its breadth of scope. The most recent and important advances, from the intracellular level of the nucleus to the functional effect that endothelin receptors mediate in intact organs, are compiled and reviewed.
A unique, integrated collection of original contributions on the molecular biology, physiology, and pathology of endothelin. Leading academic, clinical, and industrial researchers summarize the dramatic recent progress in endothelin research and indicate the optimal direction of future studies. The contributors produce a critical evaluation of endothelin chemistry and pharmacology, its mechanism of action, and its physiological functions. The book is certain to become the new standard reference source for both basic scientists and informed clinicians who want a clear idea of the roles endothelin may play in cardiovascular physiology and pathology.
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
New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.
In the last several years, the development of reagents that recognize smooth muscle-specific proteins has enabled researchers to identify smooth muscle cells (SMC) in tissue undergoing both differentiation and repair. These developments have led to increased research on SMC. The latest volume in the Biology of the Extracellular Matrix Series takes a current and all-encompassing look at this growing area of research. Devoted entirely to the subject of SMC, the book covers a diversity of topics-from SMC architecture and contractility to differentiation and gene expression in development. It also examines the proliferation and replication of SMC and its role in pharmacology and vascular disease. A must for cell, developmental, and molecular biologists, this book also will appeal to cardiologists, pathologists, and biomedical researchers interested in smooth muscle cells. Presents a molecular, genetic, and developmental perspective of the vas smooth muscle cell Overview sections highlight key points of chapters, including the clinical relevance of the research and expectations for future study Appeals to both the basic biologist and to the biomedical researcher of vascular disease
This reference is a volume in the Handbook of Physiology, co-published with The American Physiological Society. Growth in knowledge about the microcirculation has been explosive with the field becoming fragmented into numerous subdisciplines and subspecialties. This volume pulls all of the critical information into one volume. Meticulously edited and reviewed. Benefit: Provides investigators a unique tool to explore the significance of their findings in the context of other aspects of the microcirculation. In this way, the updated edition has a direct role in helping to develop new pathways of research and scholarship Highlights the explosive growth in knowledge about the microcirculation including the biology of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), endothelial cell signaling, angiogenesis, cell adhesion molecules, lymphocyte trafficking, ion channels and receptors, and propagated vasomotor responses. Benefit: Microcirculatory biology has become fragmented into numerous sub-disciplines and subspecialties, and these reference reintegrates the information in one volume
An essential text, this is a fully updated second edition of a classic, now in two volumes. It provides rapid access to information on molecular pharmacology for research scientists, clinicians and advanced students. With the A-Z format of over 2,000 entries, around 350 authors provide a complete reference to the area of molecular pharmacology. The book combines the knowledge of classic pharmacology with the more recent approach of the precise analysis of the molecular mechanisms by which drugs exert their effects. Short keyword entries define common acronyms, terms and phrases. In addition, detailed essays provide in-depth information on drugs, cellular processes, molecular targets, techniques, molecular mechanisms, and general principles.
Recent publications have addressed specific aspects of the endothelins, such as their roles in disease or the importance of endothelin receptors. However, in this book the entire field of endothelins is covered. This includes the pathways of endothelin production and their regulation, the local and systemic actions of endothelins, receptors for the endothelins and the signalling pathways employed, and the involvement of endothelins in a range of diseases. Attention is also paid to the development through chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of endothelin antagonists and endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitors, with mention of all the important members of these drug classes. This leads to well-rounded discussions of the potential therapeutic benefit of endothelin inhibitors.
