Platelets And Aspirin Induced Asthma

Platelets and Aspirin-Induced Asthma is the first book to be published that reflects research conducted on aspirin-induced asthma pathogenesis. It is examined through positions of neuroimmunoendocrine interactions in organism. The Melatonin hormone plays a key role, being the regulator and coordinator of complicated and interrelated biological processes. This new concept of aspirin-induced asthma pathogenesis suggests new methods for treatment of this disease by means of correcting the melatonin content in the patient’s organism. Investigations into the mechanisms of aspirin-induced asthma as a pathology of melatonin producing cells of platelets helps to determine high-risk groups and develop preventive measures and adequate therapy. The first book to examine the role of platelets, melatonin and diffuse neuroimmunoendocrine system in the pathogenesis of aspirin-induced asthma Proposes a new concept of aspirin-induced asthma pathogenesis that suggests new diagnostic and treatment methods for the disease

Includes proceedings of the first European Symposium on platelet immunology held in Paris, Palais du Luxembourg (France), 1 to 2 March 1990."

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 . . . . . . . . .

Although the mechanisms and triggers that stimulate and are responsible for the natural history ofasthma are steadily being more clearly defined, uncertainties still surround both the genetic basis and the etiologyofone of the most common syndromes in the world. In fact, it is ofconsider able concern and interest that the incidence of asthma today appears to be rising. These statistical increments may only reflect an increasing awareness of the disease, or its earlier and more sophisticated diagnosis. More important, however, asthma mortality appears to be increasing. This increase has occurred despite the continuing expansion of a diag nostic and management information base, and the developmentofnovel andevermoreeffective therapeutic modalities. Severalexplanations have been offered for this increase in mortality, including that it may result from a statistical artifact [based on a change in the coding criteria for asthma from the International ClassificationofDiseases Version 8(ICD 8) to ICD-9], worsened pollution, delays in seeking medical help, behav ioral changes, deficits in the asthma education of both patients and primary careproviders, toxicity ofbeta-agonists, and noncompliance with instructions for the proper use of medications. It should also be empha sized that the increases in both incidence and mortality may be a reflec tion of accumulating body burdens of environmental toxicants and of increased oxidativedamage. There has clearly beenadegradation ofenvi ronmental quality. And although considerableattention has been focused on this possibility in both the scientific and lay press, more research in this area is definitely needed.

Platelets play a key role in thrombosis and haemostasis. However recent evidence clearly demonstrates that the functional role of platelets extends to many other processes in the body. With an internationally recognised list of contributing authors, The Non-Thrombotic Role of Platelets in Health and Disease, is a unique and definitive source of state-of-the-art knowledge about the additional role of platelets outside thrombosis and haemostasis. The intended audience for The Non-Thrombotic Role of Platelets in Health and Disease includes platelet biologists, microbiologists, immunologists, haematologists, oncologists, respiratory physicians, cardiologists, neurobiologists, tissue engineers, as well as students and fellows in these areas.

Platelets have long been the subject of much investigation in the areas of vascular physiology, biochemistry, immunology and physiopathology. Their ability to react to environmental stimuli, to modify their shape and metabolism despite being anuclear, has fascinated scientists. This volume looks specifically at the involvement of blood platelets outside their 'classical' field of application, in the physiopathological mechanics of allergy and inflammation. The coverage includes the role of platelets in bacterial, parasitic and viral diseases and in tumour cell interactions.

For 30 years, this esteemed serial has provided students and researchers with the latest information in Immunology. You can continue to rely on Advances in Immunology to provide you with critical reviews that examine subjects of vital importance to the field through summary and evaluation of current knowledge and research. The articles stress fundamental concepts, but also evaluate the experimental approaches. Each volume of Advances in Immunology contains a subject index as well as the contents of recent volumes. Each chapter includes references. Researchers and students in microbiology, genetics and immunocology will use this invaluable serial to stay updated on the latest advances for years to come. Key Features * Advances in Immunology will keep you informed on such broadly defined subjects as: * Immunochemistry * Antibody synthesis * Biological action of antibodies * Immunological unresponsiveness * Mechanisms in innate and acquired immunity not involving antibodies * Specialized immunological techniques