Airways Smooth Muscle Modelling The Asthmatic Response In Vivo

Building on the existing titles in the "Airways Smooth Muscle" sub-series, the sixth volume explores physiological and pharmacological processes in the lung in vivo. The various animal models available for studying the bronchospasm and inflammation associated with human asthma are thoroughly reviewed by internationally recognised scientists. Specific chapters focus on the problems of administering drugs to animal airways, the mechanics of assessing lung function in the models, and describe in detail the species used, from rodents to primates. The use of genetically altered animals, an area of particular interest to molecular biologists, is also considered in depth. This up-to-date and extensively referenced work will prove invaluable to pharmacologists, physiologists and other biological scientists at all levels in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry.

Airway smooth muscle plays a dominant role in bronchial asthma, as well as a significant role in various pulmonary diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and emphysema. Myogenic, neurogenic, and humoral factors control airway smooth-muscle tone. This text provides a state-of-the-art summary and critical discussion of airway smooth muscle from a multidisciplinary point of view. Topics discussed include morphology, biochemical regulation, mechanical and electrophysiological behavior and reflex control of smooth muscle; the epithelium-derived relaxing factor; and methods to measure smooth muscle function in vivo in humans and experimental animals, as well as in vitro in isolated airway tissues. Also discussed are calcium and potassium channels and receptors for adrenergic, cholinergic and histaminergic systems in modulating receptor-response coupling in airway smooth muscle. Airway Smooth Muscle: Modulation of Receptors and Response provides essential information for researchers, teachers, pulmonary specialists and allergists, and students interested in learning about airway smooth muscle.

In this book, leading researchers in medicine and molecular pharmacology explain the cellular mechanisms that control airway smooth muscle. The means by which these are disrupted in disease, and the pharmacologic strategies by which they may be modified are discussed and future therapeutic interventions are identified. Aimed at specialists in pulmonology, this volume provides the clinician with the most up to date information on one of the core physiological processes in airway disease, and offers insights into current and future approaches to management. Authoritative update on key mechanisms of airway constriction in Asthma and COPD Relates latest research to bronchodilator therapy Multi-contributed text, co-coordinated by two of the leading authorities in the field.

Continuing the Respiratory Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy series, this volume explores the pathophysiology and therapy of rhinitis. The volume is introduced by a chapter describing the normal anatomy and physiology of the nose and sinuses. Against this background the contributing authors describe and discuss the immunological and pathological changes which occur in rhinitis. The various causes and the types of rhinitis - such as allergic, vasomotor, and infectious - are discussed as are the treatments available (pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery). The book concludes with a description of the animal models of rhinitis which are now available. This book will be of interest to bench scientists and clinicians alike.

Focussed specifically on children and pediatric respiratory diseases, "The Pediatric Lung+" reviews the current status of pharmacological therapy for asthma, viral pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and acute respiratory failure. A review of aerosol delivery systems in children and an up-to-date treatise on mucolytic agents is also included. The chapters are written by leading specialists in the field and summarize the latest developments in pediatric pulmonology, as well as covering a comprehensive range of respiratory diseases in children. Pediatric pulmonologists, allergologists, intensivists, neonatologists and general pediatricians will find "The Pediatric Lung" an invaluable source of reference. Clinicians will be particularly interested in the new information concerning aerosol delivery systems, gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, new modalities of therapy for asthma, the emerging role of nitric oxide and a treatise on modern mycolytic agents.

The aim of the book is to provide an in-depth review of our current understanding of the pathogenesis of both asthma and COPD. This volume also discusses the promising new options for pharmacological intervention of these diseases. Each chapter is extensively referenced, generously illustrated with clear diagrams and photographs, and represents a state-of-the-art review of this important area of lung biology.

Inflammatory Cells and Mediators in Bronchial Asthma provides reviews and summaries regarding state-of-the-art articles that examine the role of various inflammatory cells and their mediators in the pathogenesis of asthma. Topics include pharmacological and biochemical regulation of the airways; involvement of key inflammatory cells and the release and effect of their mediators in airway function; and the characteristics of receptors for leukotriene B4, C4, and D4, adenosine, platelet-activating factor, sensory and inflammatory peptides, and the effect of various anti-asthmatic drugs on airway inflammation. Physicians, allergists, immunologists, and pulmonary disease research scientists will find this book to be an invaluable reference resource.

From basic science to various anesthesia techniques to complications, the meticulously updated, fifth edition of Chestnut’s Obstetric Anesthesia: Principles and Practice, covers all you need to know about obstetric anesthesia. An editorial team of leading authorities presents the latest on anesthesia techniques for labor and delivery and medical disorders that occur during pregnancy. New chapters and rewritten versions of key chapters cover topics such as psychiatric disorders in the pregnant patient, neurologic disorders, and critical care of obstetric patients. It is an invaluable, comprehensive reference textbook for specialists in obstetric anesthesiology and obstetricians, as well as anesthesiology and obstetric residents. This book also serves as a clear, user-friendly guide for both anesthesiologists and obstetricians who are in clinical practice. Consult this title on your favorite e-reader, conduct rapid searches, and adjust font sizes for optimal readability. Get all the accuracy, expertise, and dependability you could ask for from the most important names in the fields of obstetric anesthesia and maternal-fetal medicine. Master the current best practices you need to know for treating the fetus and the mother as separate patients—each with distinct needs. Search and retain difficult concepts easily with the help of key point summaries in each chapter. Stay current on the latest advancements and developments with sweeping updates and new chapters on topics such as patient safety and team approach, transthoracic echocardiography and noninvasive measurement of cardiac output in obstetric patients, psychiatric disorders during pregnancy, neurologic injuries, and more. Prevent and plan for potential complications associated with the advancing age of pregnant women. An extensive, state-of-the art discussion of "critical care of obstetric patients" equips you to address any special considerations for this increasing segment. Know exactly how to proceed. An abundance of tables and boxes illustrate the step-by-step management of a full range of clinical scenarios. Choose the best drugs available while adhering to the most recent guidelines for obstetric anesthesia.