Cell Culture Techniques In Heart And Vessel Research

In the cardiovascular sciences, an increasing demand for the use of modern methods of cell biology has developed. The use of specific cell culture models of the various tissues involved is essential for most of these novel approaches. This book meets the demand for acomprehensive and easy accessible source for cell cul- ture methods in cardiovascular research as it was not previously available. The basic methods for cultures of cardiomyocytes (embryonic and adult), endothelial cells (micro- and macrovascular), smooth muscle cells and pericytes are described in detail by an international selection of experts. Special chapters discuss the use of growth factors and attachment substrates, techniques for co-cultures, cultures on permeable filter membranes and microcarrier cultures. The methodological descriptions are sufficiently detailed for an immediate application in the laboratory. All chapters also contain a critical evaluation of alternative approaches.

Scientists working or planning to work in the field of cardiovascular research will welcome Methods in Cardiovascular Research as the reference book they have been waiting for. Not only general aspects of cardiovascular research are well presented but also detailed descriptions of methods, protocols and practical examples. Written by leading scientists in their field, chapters cover classical methods such as the Langendorff heart or working heart models as well as numerous new techniques and methods. Newcomers and experienced researchers alike will benefit from the troubleshooting guide in each chapter, the extensive reference lists for advanced reading and the great practical experience of the authors. Methods in Cardiovascular Research is a "must have" for anybody with an interest in cardiovascular research.

It is a pleasure to contribute the foreword to Introduction to Cell and Tissue Culture: The ory and Techniques by Mather and Roberts. Despite the occasional appearance of thought ful works devoted to elementary or advanced cell culture methodology, a place remains for a comprehensive and definitive volume that can be used to advantage by both the novice and the expert in the field. In this book, Mather and Roberts present the relevant method ology within a conceptual framework of cell biology, genetics, nutrition, endocrinology, and physiology that renders technical cell culture information in a comprehensive, logical for mat. This allows topics to be presented with an emphasis on troubleshooting problems from a basis of understanding the underlying theory. The material is presented in a way that is adaptable to student use in formal courses; it also should be functional when used on a daily basis by professional cell culturists in a- demia and industry. The volume includes references to relevant Internet sites and other use ful sources of information. In addition to the fundamentals, attention is also given to mod ern applications and approaches to cell culture derivation, medium formulation, culture scale-up, and biotechnology, presented by scientists who are pioneers in these areas. With this volume, it should be possible to establish and maintain a cell culture laboratory devot ed to any of the many disciplines to which cell culture methodology is applicable.

This volume focuses on the etiology and morphogenesis of congenital heart diseases. It reviews in detail the early development and differentiation of the heart, and later morphologic events of the cardiovascular system, covering a wide range of topics such as gene functions, growth factors, transcription factors and cellular interactions that are implicated in cardiac morphogenesis and congenital heart disease. This book also presents recent advances in stem cell and cell sheet tissue engineering technologies which have the potential to provide novel in vitro disease models and to generate regenerative paradigms for cardiac repair and regeneration. This is the ideal resource for physician scientists and investigators looking for updates on recent investigations on the origins of congenital heart disease and potential future therapies.

This book collects the state of the art of the antioxidants from the clinical and experimental approaches in order to bring a better understanding of the mechanisms and useful therapies for these diseases. We hope that it can indicate new "current trends" for identifying new aspects regarding this scientific problem involving not only anatomical and functional, but also clinical questions.

The volumes in this series include contemporary techniques significant to a particular branch of neuroscience. They are an invaluable aid to the student as well as the experienced researcher not only in developing protocols in neuroscience but in disciplines where research is becoming closely related to neuroscience. Each volume of Methods in Neurosciences contains an index, and each chapter includes references. Dr. Conn became Editor-in-Chief of the series beginning with Volume 15, so each subsequent volume could be guest-edited by an expert in that specific field. This further strengthens the depth of coverage in Methods in Neurosciences for students and researchers alike. Comprehensive protocols included for the study of: The brain-immune system The neuroimmune system: Effects of the brain on the peripheral immune system Neuroimmune effects from substances of abuse (e.g. cocaine) to hypnosis Measurement of interferons, cytokines, natural killer cells, and major histocompatibility complex molecules Immunohistochemistry methods in the brain Neuropeptides as immunomodulators

th This volume contains articles presented at the X International Symposium on Purines and Pyrimidines in Man, held on May 14 19, 2000 in Tel Aviv, Israel. The first symposium in this series took place in Tel Aviv in 1973. Since then, the symposium has been held every three years in different parts of the world, including Europe, USA and Japan. The participants, in this series of symposia, are characterised by a wide interest in the various aspects of purines and pyrimidines in man, which include biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology, physiology, clinics, etc. Presentations in the symposia include clarification of metabolic pathways, characterisation of enzyme structure and kinetics and discoveries of new inborn errors of metabolism and suggestions for new therapeutic approaches for these inborn errors. In addition, development of new purine and pyrimidine derivatives for the treatment of cancer and viral diseases, and many more subjects of mutual interest were brought to the fore. With the development of therapeutic means and of new research tools, we have witnessed changes in the areas of interest. The interest in gout and uric acid urolithiasis has lessened, whereas molecular aspects, the role of purine and pyrimidine substances in neurotransmission and in purinergic signaling appear to gain greater interest. The articles, included in this volume, contain new data pertaining to the various aspects detailed above.

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.