Prostaglandins

This is the second in a series of three books on advances in prostaglandin research. In recent years there has been an unparalleled interest in these compounds and as a result a vast amount of research data has accumulated since the publication of my earlier book in 1972. At that time it was possible to present a fairly comprehensive review of the various aspects of prosta glandin research in one volume. This is no longer possible and the contents are divided into three volumes; the first one dealing with prostaglandins and reproduction was published in October 1975; the present volume dealing with chemical and biochemical aspects of prostaglandin research, to be published in April 1976 and the third book dealing with physiological, pharmacological and pathological aspects of prostaglandin research wiII be published in May 1976. The authorship represents international scientists consisting of physiolo-. gists, pharmacologists, chemists, biochemists, veterinary scientists and obstetrician gynaecologists actively engaged in different areas of prosta glandin research. An attempt has been made to provide a total coverage of advances relating to prostaglandins. For the sake of completeness and continuity, material covered in the 1972 book is either briefly summarised or reference made to that edition. In recent years there have been notable advances in the chemical and biochemical aspects of prostaglandin research and these are discussed by various authorities in the chapters that follow.

A prostaglandin is any member of a group of lipid compounds that are derived enzymatically from fatty acids and have important functions in the animal body. Every prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5-carbon ring. They are mediators that participate in the regulation of multiple biological processes, both in health and disease. Prostaglandins contribute to the regulation of vascular tone, platelet function, and fertility. They also play key roles as inflammatory mediators and modulators of tumor biology. Although they are technically hormones, they are rarely classified as such. This book examines the biological role of prostaglandins in drug discovery, and on immune cells; the prostaglandin interchange; and the roles of prostaglandin E2 in inflammation-related cardiovascular disease as well as other related topics of import.

Prostaglandins and Thromboxanes explores the two members of the prostanoid class of fatty acid. This book attempts to thoroughly discuss the topic after collecting enough information through research in physical and biological sciences. As the title suggests, the book revolves around prostaglandins and thromboxanes. The book's first chapter contains a discussion on the subject's history, stating the year of discovery and crediting the scientist who coined the names. The chapter ends talking about the possible uses of prostaglandins and thromboxanes in the clinic. The chapters that follow discuss the two lipids' basic and advanced synthesis, pharmacology, biosynthesis, biological activity, chemical interconversions, and metabolism, along with its subtopics. The book will serve as an excellent reference for undergraduate and graduate students in the related field.

This volume provides an overview of lipid mediators from synthesis to inhibition. It addresses the immune system and its diseases from a pharmacological viewpoint and combines clinical aspects with basic science.

This book provides readers with an up-to-date and comprehensive view on the resolution of inflammation and on new developments in this area, including pro-resolution mediators, apoptosis, macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells, possible novel drug developments.

The voluminous literature on prostaglandins includes some excellent reviews. For some time however, there has been a need for the collection in one volume of information from individual experts actively engaged in different aspects of prostaglandin research. This book is an attempt to fulfil that need. In view of the expanding interest and ever-growing accumulation of data of the various effects of prostaglandins it is hoped to revise the book and bring it up-to-date periodically. The largest section is that on reproduction, in which field progress in research and clinical applications thereof have been, and are, of great significance particularly in the area of popula tion control. This is not to decry the skill and efforts of investi gators in other aspects of prostaglandin activity nor the potential biological or therapeutic importance of their findings. In this context, what may appear to be omissions are individual sections on prostaglandin activity in the central nervous system, in the eye and as mediators of the inflammatory response. These are considered in the chapter on General Pharmacology of the Prostaglandins not because they might be considered to be of lesser impact and significance but in order to achieve a rapid publication of the book. S. M. M. KARIM Kampala, Uganda. January 1972. Acknowledgements Tables and Figures previously published are, in general, acknowledged by the reference in the legends and I am grateful to the authors, editors and publishers for their per mission.

The grasp of pharmacologic principles and their practical application sits at the heart of anesthesiology practice. Intended to fill the niche for a rapid, point-of-care overview of clinical pharmacology in anesthesia, this compact guide covers the commonly prescribed medications in anesthesiology including the subspecialties of obstetric, regional, cardiac, and neuroanesthesia.

Fluorine and Health presents a critical multidisciplinary overview on the contribution of fluorinated compounds to resolve the important global issue of medicinal monitoring and health care. The involved subjects are organized in three thematic parts devoted to Molecular Imaging, Biomedical Materials and Pharmaceuticals. Initially the key-position of partially fluorinated low molecular weight compounds labelled either with the natural 19F-isotope for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or labelled with the radioactive [18F]-isotope for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is highlighted. Both non-invasive methods belong to the most challenging in vivo imaging techniques in oncology, neurology and in cardiology for the diagnosis of diseases having the highest mortality in the industrialized countries. The manifold facets of fluorinated biomaterials range from inorganic ceramics to perfluorinated organic molecules. Liquid perfluorocarbons are suitable for oxygen transport and as potential respiratory gas carriers, while fluorinated polymers are connected to the pathology of blood vessels. Another important issue concerns the application of highly fluorinated liquids in ophthalmology. Moreover, fluorine is an essential trace element in bone mineral, dentine and tooth enamel and is applied for the prophylaxis and treatment of dental caries. The various origins of human exposure to fluoride species is detailed to promote a better understanding of the effect of fluoride species on living organisms.Medicinally relevant fluorinated molecules and their interactions with native proteins are the main focus of the third part. New molecules fluorinated in strategic position are crucial for the development of pharmaceuticals with desired action and optimal pharmacological profile. Among the hundreds of marketed active drug components there are more than 150 fluorinated compounds. The chapters will illustrate how the presence of fluorine atoms alters properties of bioactive compounds at various biochemical steps, and possibly facilitate its emergence as pharmaceuticals. Finally the synthetic potential of a fluorinase, the first C-F bond forming enzyme, is summarized. New approach of topics involving chemistry, biology and medicinal techniques Transdisciplinar papers on fluoride products Importance of fluoride products in health Updated data on specific topics