This volume presents the work of distinguished investigators who have conducted major studies on the role of eicosanoids in inflammation. The book provides an informative appraisal of the current state of the art in leukotriene and inflammation research, integrating new basic science concepts and clinical findings. The primary focus of the book is on the evidence that leukotrienes represent a group of mediators that contribute significantly to the pathobiology of asthma and play a role in other inflammatory disorders. The information presented in this volume is of vital importance to pharmacologists, biochemists, and physiologists, as well as to clinicians treating patients with asthma and other inflammatory diseases.

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.

In the two decades since the elusive "slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis" (SRS-A) was identified as a product of the action of the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme on arachidonic acid, it has been well established that the leukotrienes are key mediators of both alIergy and inflammation. Their release by alIergen or other challenge has been demonstrated in the lungs of asthmatic subjects, and measurement of urinary leukotriene concentrations in such patients has been shown to be a valuable, non invasive indicator. Significant progress has been made towards the characterization of the leukotriene receptor subtypes, exemplified by the cloning of the LTB4 receptor earlier this year. Coupled with this there has been a continued elucidation of signal transduction mechanisms underlying receptor activation. Consequent upon these advances has been the development of potent antagonists of the CysLT receptor, J and both these and inhibitors of leukotriene biosynthesis have entered clinical practice in the therapy of asthma. In this clinical setting antagonists of the CysLTJ receptor have been shown to be an effective therapy in chronic asthmatics, against antigen- and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and in aspirin-intolerant asthmatics. The advent of this new class of agents promises to change the way in which asthmatic patients are currently treated.

This timely volume brings together the latest basic and clinical insights on the cellular and mediator mechanisms involved in the induction and persistence of airway dysfunction of asthma by over 90 experts in the field-paving the way for developing novel and more effective antiinflammatory therapeutic agents and strategies. Furnishing a comprehensive and up-to-date view of the expanding and interrelated components underlying asthma pathogenesis, Inflammatory Mechanisms in Asthma describes how evidence on airway inflammation is obtained with invasive and noninvasive procedures, such as bronchoalveolar lavage and sputum analysis reviews the complex interactions of inflammatory cells that contribute to chronic inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity, including eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and macrophages considers mast cells, cytokines, neural factors, leukotrienes, kinins, and other mediators that regulate the development, establishment, or resolution of asthma exacerbations presents new information suggesting that airway changes in asthma can lead to remodeling or airway fibrosis and more! Enhanced with over 4700 references, tables, drawings, and photographs, this compelling investigation into the pathophysiology of asthma is an indispensable resource for pulmonologists, physiologists, immunologists, allergists, epidemiologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and graduate and medical school students in these disciplines.

Now available in its Third Edition, Asthma: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management has become the reference text in asthma. This highly successful text sheds new light on the basic physiological and molecular mechanisms of asthma, how current treatments work, and how best to apply the latest knowledge to control this important disease. The Third Edition has undergone radical revision and includes several new chapters. It retains the virtues of the previous volumes by bringing together all of the recent research findings by internationally recognized experts on the causative mechanisms of asthma, including in-depth clinical aspects and therapy. The book presents an integrated approach toward the treatment of this disease with new concepts, changes in asthma management, and the development of new therapeutic agents. Asthma provides extensive references for researchers and clinicians who need to keep abreast of recent developments in this rapidly expanding field. - Comprehensive coverage of both basic science and clinical aspects of asthma - Extensively referenced throughout

For some years, international guidelines on the management of asthma have stressed the importance of early intervention with anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent acute asthma exacerbations and to avert chronic inflammatory damage to the airway. Introduced by a broad survey of the targets for anti-inflammatory drugs, this book proceeds to bring together the most recent research into the mechanisms and clinical benefits of presently available anti-inflammatory treatments including corticosteroids, cromones, and theophylline. For the first time, these drugs are discussed alongside the newly introduced leukotriene modifier drugs, and in the context of frontline research into anti-inflammatory drugs of the future. Leading authorities in their fields evaluate the prospects of novel anti-IgE agents and cytokine antagonists, and examine recent developments in immunosuppressant compounds, protease inhibitors, and selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This book is an up-to-date and authoritative survey which will be invaluable to university and pharmaceutical company researchers working on anti-asthma and anti-allergy drugs and to respiratory physicians keeping abreast of developments in their specialty.

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,

The Second Edition of Asthma and COPD: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management continues to provide a unique and authoritative comparison of asthma and COPD. Written and edited by the world's leading experts, it continues to be a comprehensive review of the most recent understanding of the basic mechanisms of both conditions, specifically comparing their etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. * Each chapter considers Asthma and COPD in side-by-side contrast and comparison – not in isolation - in the context of mechanism, triggers, assessments, therapies, and clinical management * Presents the latest and most comprehensive understandings of the mechanisms of inflammation in both Asthma and COPD * Most extensive reference to primary literature on both Asthma and COPD in one source. * Easy-to-read summaries of the latest advances alongside clear illustrations

This text gives a comprehensive discussion of the range of treatments available in asthma therapy and aims to provide a reference manual for both the specialist and trainee in respiratory medicine.