Receptor-Mediated Binding and Internalization of Toxins and Hormones presents the proceedings of a conference conducted for the purpose of exploring relationships between hormones and toxins, specifically, receptor-mediated internalization of toxins and hormones and the role of this internalization in message transmission and biodegradatory processes. This book is divided into three sections, with the first focusing on model systems of internalization. It presents pictorial illustrations of the receptor-mediated endocytosis of low-density lipoprotein via coated regions of membrane and discusses the receptor for lysosomal enzymes on the surface of cultured fibroblasts. The second section focuses on toxins and hormones and discusses such topics as receptor-mediated internalization of diphtheria toxin, diphtheria toxin interactions with an inhibitory activity from plasma membranes, and uptake mechanisms for ADP-ribosylating toxins. The third and final section focuses on hybrids and discusses such topics as chimeric toxins containing fragment A from diphtheria toxin, directed entry of hybrid proteins into cells via alternate receptors, and a hybrid protein of monoclonal anti-THY 1.2 and diphtheria toxin fragment A. This book will be of interest to practitioners in the fields of endocrinology, cell biology, and molecular genetics.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

on the theories of Planck and Einstein. Rather, until The concept that human disease is a specialized branch of biology is universally accepted today, but in the mid-20th century, the accretion of individual historical perspective, is actually of recent origin. At examples of the biological nature of disease processes provided the framework for an evolutionary change in one time, the heliocentric theories of astronomy and the metallurgic transmutations of alchemy had their thinking. The new psychological and philosophical milieu provided the basis for an unprecedented accel counterparts in magical and vitalistic approaches to eration in the pace of biomedical research. It is clear human disease. Any relation between disease of humans and that of animals was not only unacceptable that the biological revolution of the last 35 years was made possible not only by technological advances and intellectually, but abhorrent theologically. Humans (and their diseases) were unique, and biology was the innovative analytical methods, but also by an intellec domain of those who studied animals and plants. tual emphasis on the unity of biological processes. The unification of biology and the study of human High school students are now aware that there is much disease, though begun some centuries ago, was con to be learned about the human condition by studying spicuously stimulated by the work of Darwin, and bacterial DNA, the chloroplasts of green leaves, or the reached its full flower in this century. For example, kinetics of enzymes in vitro.

Conventional attempts to control cell behaviour and function are often marred by the toxicity of the drugs used, their premature waste or inactivation or by their inability to interact with or reach target sites efficiently. New trends in pharmacology empha size the development of methods for the optimization of drug action, for instance by the delivery of drugs, enzymes, hormones, antigens, genetic material, ets. through carrier systems selectively to re levant cellular and subcellular sites. A wide assortment of carriers was discussed in the first NATO Advanced Studies Institute (ASI) "Targeting of Drugs," the proceedings of which were published by Plenum Press in 1982 (eds., G. Gregoriadis, J. Senior and A. Trouet). This book, containing the proceedings of the 2nd NATO ASI "Receptor-Mediated Targeting of Drugs" held again at Cape Sounion, Greece during 20 June-l July 1983, deals with drug delivery through systems possessing ligands which can recognize and interact with receptors on the target's surface. Receptor-recognizing carriers that have recently given promise of realistic expectations in targeting include monoclonal antibodies, certain proteins that home to specific cells in the body and liposomes either as such (when they can trigger specific reactions in the reticuloendothelial system) or in association with targeting macromolecules. Each of these are discussed extensively by leading authorities, in terms of applications in biology and medicine and related methodologies.

This work represents a compilation of studies on the entry into and subsequent processing of several bacterial and plant toxins in mammalian cells. Emphasis is placed on the close parallel of mammalian cell processing of toxic proteins and physiologically essential ligands. This easy-to-read book includes chapters which review the structures of the toxins. It compares and contrasts the trafficking of pseudomonas and diphtheria toxins. It also discusses anthrax toxin and the clostridial neurotoxins.