Pharmacology Of Asthma

This volume forms part of a prestigious series and covers the latest advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of asthma. Our understanding of asthma has changed dramatically in recent years, and much of this new information is brought together in this volume written by inter nationally recognised authorities. The aim of the book is to review in depth the changing concepts of inflammatory processes in asthma and to discuss the implications for research of this common chronic disease. Many of the advances in and future therapy our understanding of asthma have originated from a pharmacological approach, and this volume highlights the promising new options for pharma cological intervention. It is hoped this book will be invaluable for research scientists and clinic ians involved in asthma research and will be a major reference resource for chest physicians and those involved in the development of novel pharmaceu tical entities. Each chapter is extensively referenced, generously illustrated with clear diagrams and photographs, and represents a state-of-the-art review of this growing area. c.P. PAGE P.l. BARNES Contents CHAPTER 1 The Pathology of Asthma: An Overview L.A. LAmNEN and A. LAmNEN. With 10 Figures ...................... 1 A. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Methods to Investigate the Pathology of Human Asthma ............ 1 C. Bronchial Epithelium and Inflammatory Cells in Asthmatic Patients Between Attacks ........................... 2 I. Mast Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II. Eosinophils ............................................... 7 III. Neutrophils.............................................. 10 D. Bronchial Epithelial Inflammation During an Asthma Attack. . . . . .. . 10 E. Epithelial Regeneration .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 12 . . . . . . . . .

The present volume is supposed to be a major reference resource for chest physicians and those involved in the development of novel pharmaceutical entities for these diseases. Internationally recognized authorities review the most important new information on the advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of these diseases, including the substantial advances in the topical delivery of inhaled medicines. 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 respiratory medicine.

This book provides a state-of-the-art account by academic respiratory physicians and senior pharmaceutical industry personnel on the development of new drugs for asthma, allergy and COPD. It contains 80 chapters of highly condensed information, presented in an attractive, reader-friendly format with much use of tables, figures and diagrams. In addition to summarizing the diverse range of current approaches, this handbook also looks into the future, considering many topics that are promising, but have only emerged in the last few years. Developments within established drug categories such as beta-2-agonists, steroids and leukotriene antagonists are also reviewed. Never before has a single book brought together so many pharmaceutical drug developers sharing their experience on such a wide range of respiratory topics!

Written as a concise clinical reference guide covering the current and future airway disease treatments, this text encompasses: pathophysiology of respiratory tract diseasesthe methods of measuring airway and clinical responsesthe concepts upon which many treatments are used in COPD and asthma conditionsthe way in which these treatments work,

Standing as the only text focused on the pharmaceutical treatment of asthma, this reference details the pharmacology, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of every drug currently used in the management and care of asthma patients. Internationally renowned authorities cover published practice guidelines, treatment plans, pharmacologic agents, and clinical studies to provide the most authoritative and up-to-date information on the use of medications to control and prevent this common condition. Reviewing the role of pharmacotherapy in the overall management of asthma, this guide: * reviews the pharmacology and clinical use of inhaled corticosteroids, beta adrenergic agonists, leukotriene modifiers, combination products, and many other asthma drugs * provides a practical framework for the optimal pharmacotherapy of asthma, focusing on outpatient therapy * examines international guidelines for the drug treatment of asthma.

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.