Laboratory protocols for pharmacological investigation of plant material Pharmacological Methods in Phytotherapy Research, Vol. 1: Selection, Preparation, and Pharmaceutical Evaluation of Plant Materials provides invaluable reference for anyone working with medicinal plants. Clear protocols detail methods for selection and extraction of plant material, as well as pharmacological investigation and presentation of results. Organized by therapeutic area, coverage includes methods for investigation of compounds relating to the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and more, with special guidance toward anti-inflammatories, analgesics, and diabetes mellitus.
Fundamentals of Biochemical Pharmacology explains the molecular aspects of drugs and the changes in bio-chemical systems. The cellular movements that result from such changes are also evaluated. Biochemical lesion is extensively defined in the book. A discussion on electromagnetic radiation is also provided. A chapter of the book is devoted to the principles of electronic and nuclear magnetic resonance. The principles and applications of mass spectrometry and combined gas chromatography are then discussed. The scientific advances made with the use of immunological methods are the focus of a section of the book. Another section provides an introduction to the kinetic properties of reactions made by enzymes. The process called homogenization is clearly explained along with a discussion on the use of electron microscopy. Autoradiography shows the distribution of compounds at the subcellular level. The theoretical background of molecular spectroscopy is presented completely. The book is intended for chemists, biochemists, physicists, micro-biologists, zoologists, and botanists .
Gastroenterology has advanced through the development and application of increasingly sophisticated methods to measure changes in gastrointestinal function. Handbook of Methods in Gastrointestinal Pharmacology brings together details on commonly employed approaches in investigative gastroenterology. The book provides comprehensive coverage of methods and techniques used to investigate the mechanism of action of drugs on the GI tract. An integral part of each chapter is the discussion of development of techniques based upon physiologic mechanisms and principles in pharmacology. In vivo and in situ techniques involving whole animals, isolated tissue methodology, the use of single cell systems, and molecular biology approaches are covered. Illustrations provide a clear understanding of methodologies discussed. Emphasis is placed on advantages and disadvantages of each technique in answering specific research questions. Chapters are written by experts experienced in the techniques they discuss; many pioneered one or more widely used methods. The wide variety of topics included make the Handbook of Methods in Gastrointestinal Pharmacology useful to established investigators, research fellows, and graduate students. Additionally, reviewers of grants and manuscripts can use it to clarify questions that arise regarding appropriate use of a technique in a particular setting.
Toxicology has made tremendous strides in the sophistication of the models used to identify and understand the mechanisms of agents that can harm or kill humand and other higher organisms. Non-animals or in vitro models started to gain significant use in the 1960s. As a result of the increased concern over animal welfare, economic factors, and the need for greater sensitivity and understanding of mechanisms, interest in in vitro^n models has risen. This volume demonstrates that there now exists a broad range of in vitro models for use in either identifying or understanding most forms of toxicity. The availability of in vitro models spans both the full range of endpoints (irritation, sensitization, lethality, mutagenicity, and devlopmental toxicity) and the full spectrum of target organ systems (skin, eye, heart, liver, kidney, nervous system, etc.). Chapters are devoted to each of these speciality areas from a perspective of presenting the principal models and their uses and limitations. Chapters that overview the principles involved in the general selection and use of models, and that address the issues of safety concerns and regulatory acceptance of these methods are also included.
Not much more than a decade has passed since the appearance of the outstanding handbook, Catecholamines, edited by BLASCHKO and MUSCHOLL, in the series: Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. However, this extremely well organized volume dealt mainly with the origin, molecular actions, and fate of the naturally occuring catecholamines. It was felt that a separate volume should be dedicated to the remarkable and exciting progress made in the field of agents influencing the adrenergic system, both in physiologic and pharmacologic respect. The editor of the present volume considers himself lucky to have been able to persuade a number of eminent specialists to collaborate. The main concept of the present handbook is a systematic approach to the various effects of adrenergic activators and inhibitors starting with the chemistry and structure actitivity relationship, followed by the evaluation of adrenergic activators and inhibitors, and discussing their mode of action. The most voluminous part is the chapter dealing with the systemic pharma cology of these agents analyzing the effects on the central nervous system, on the autonomic nervous system, on the cardiovascular, the respiratory, the digestive, the endocrine system, on the skeletal muscle, and on metabolism. Kinetics and bio transformation, further toxic effects are discussed in the following chapters. A special chapter on clinical features concludes the monograph.
Essential Guide to Reading Biomedical Papers: Recognising and Interpreting Best Practice is an indispensable companion to the biomedical literature. This concise, easy-to-follow text gives an insight into core techniques and practices in biomedical research and how, when and why a technique should be used and presented in the literature. Readers are alerted to common failures and misinterpretations that may evade peer review and are equipped with the judgment necessary to be properly critical of the findings claimed by research articles. This unique book will be an invaluable resource for students, technicians and researchers in all areas of biomedicine. Allows the reader to develop the necessary skills to properly evaluate research articles Coverage of over 30 commonly-used techniques in the biomedical sciences Global approach and application, with contributions from leading experts in diverse fields