Electrophysiological Techniques in Pharmacology

tumor-promoting agents, but, whether they have substrates other than PKC or whether activation of PI pathway alone causes transformation remains elusive-a topic briefly addressed in chapter 8 by Malcolm Whitman et al. of Tufts University. The chapter by Robin Irvine of Cambridge University on the biochemistry and analysis of inositides is interesting and practical. His writing is clear, and the numerous figures in the chapter help the reader to visualize the structure and metabolism of inositol lipids. In addition to a brief survey of techniques, Irvine singles out the ones he has used routinely to provide a "personal guide" to newcomers to the field. The seven concluding chapters are devoted to the functions of inositol lipids in specific cell types including cells in the central nervous system, hepatocytes, platelets, and so on. The chapters cover the following topics: physiology, evidence for PI response in the cell of interest, receptor coupling to PIP2 hydrolysis, functional significance of inositol lipids, and interaction of PI with other regulatory molecules such as cAMP, cGMP, and arachidonic acid. Chapter 9 by Fisher and Agranoff of the University of Michigan focuses on PI turnover in the central nervous system. Although no specific functions have been demonstrated, the authors discuss several possible roles of PI response: modulation of ion channels, neurotransmitter release, anchor for membrane proteins, and neuronal plasticity. In the last section of this chapter, the authors present evidence that may shed light upon the mechanism of action of lithium in treating manic-depressive syndrome. This possible link between PI metabolism and psychiatric illnesses may be the only instance in the book where PI turnover is discussed in a clinical setting. In summary, this multi-authored book gives a detailed and comprehensive review of PI turnover and how it relates to signal transduction and cellular responses to external stimuli, with an emphasis on recent experimental and conceptual advances in transmembrane signaling. Despite several typographical errors and some redundancy of the material presented in many chapters, this book makes a valuable contribution to the literature on PI turnover. Each chapter is self-contained and accompanied by extensive bibliographic references. The book is fairly easy to use because it is well indexed and cross referenced. The similar organization of the various chapters in the volume also makes it easy to follow. Although patient care may not benefit directly from it, this book should serve nicely as a reference for students and …