The purpose of this two-volume work is to provide an update on the use of this powerful technology. As such, the books provide an insight in to the techniques for the non-specialist. Scientists embarking upon st udies in chronic lung disease will find a review of the current status of research. At the same time, the books are useful to clinicians, bo th specialist and academic, and to scientists already involved in the basic aspects of the pathogenesis of lung disease. Both volumes deal w ith basic mechanisms of cell biology, receptors and cellactivation and provide an insight as to how the technology influences our concepts o f pathogenesis and viceversa.

The biology of the family of endogenous autocrine peptides known as the endothelins (ETs) has been a source of intense study for researchers since 1988, following the identification of ET-l as the previously described endothelium-derived contractile factor. Initial interest focussed on the actions of the ETs in the cardiovascular system, and this remains the pri mary source of published work involving these peptides. Importantly, evi dence is mounting for a significant mediator role for ET-l in cardiovascu lar diseases including systemic hypertension and congestive heart failure. However, it was also recognized early on that the ETs exert an array of powerful actions in the respiratory tract, many of which prompted specula tion concerning mediator roles for ET-l in several lung diseases including asthma and pulmonary hypertension. In recent years the evidence for the involvement of ET-l in lung diseases has become more compelling. There is now real hope and anticipation that novel ET receptor antagonists may eventually be used therapeutically against asthma and other major lung pathologies. It is this atmosphere of excitement created by new discoveries and the increasing scientific ratio nale for a significant impact ofthe ETs in pulmonary diseases that prompt ed the creation of this book, the first on this topic. Most of the information presented relates to ET-l, which is the most widely studied member of the ET family.

Lung disease is a major indication for the admittance of the neonate to a specialist intensive care unit, and is a particularly common complication in the pre-term baby where the lungs are insufficiently developed at birth and easily damaged by early treatments. As a consequence, this is an area of intensive international research activity. In this comprehensive update of the well-received first edition, leading researchers from all over the world have been invited to contribute in their specialist areas. The book continues to provide detailed coverage of the pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory features and management of lung disorders in the neonate, with increased emphasis on the underlying immunology and major additions to the sections on respiratory support, chronic lung disease and abnormalities in lung growth and development to reflect the changes that have occurred in these areas since the previous edition appeared in 1995. Providing an unrivalled up-to-date statement on the problems that are faced in the neonatal intensive care unit on a daily basis, this is an invaluable addition to the bookshelves of neonatologists and other personnel involved in the care of critically ill babies.

Dail and Hammar’s Pulmonary Pathology has established itself as the definitive reference in the field. This third edition is now a two-volume, full color text. The new editorial board has continued to build upon the excellence previously achieved by reorganizing, expanding and substantially revising the text. This authoritative reference work has been updated to cover newly recognized entities and the latest advances in molecular diagnostic techniques. Abundantly illustrated with more than 2000 full color illustrations, this outstanding contribution to pathology literature is a must-have for the library of every surgical and pulmonary pathologist.