This book attempts to explain the mechanisms by which surfactants - specifically, the surface-active phospholipids - exert their physiological functions in the body. There is much controversy as to the role of surfactant in the lung, and the veracity of the various alveolar models, which are clearly evaluated in The Biology of Surfactant. The text goes on to describe the nature of surfactant in the gastro-intestinal tract, joints and at tissue surfaces in other organs where it could have several useful functions. These are related to work on synthetic- surfactants which may shed light on natural mechanisms with important implications for medical research. In each of these the underlying physico-chemical principles are emphasized in a manner accessible to the biologist and physician. By giving an overview of theories as to the role and mechanism of surfactants - including hid own forthright views - Professor Hills has provided a comprehensive and stimulating text. The volume will appeal to researchers and students of physiology, paediatrics, obstetrics, rheurnatology, neonatology; specialists in pulmonary physiology and chest diseases; surgeons, biochemists, microbiologists whose work relates to surfactants in the lung and other organs.

It is now twelve years since Solubilization by Surface-Active Agents appeared. Since the publication of that monograph the subject has expanded rapidly as the unique potential of surfactants has become known to a wider circle of scientists. In a recent review Menger (Accounts of Chemical Research, 12 (1979) 111) estimated that since 1970 there have been over 2800 publications on micelles and micellization alone. The topic of catalysis in micellar media was in an early stage of development in 1968 but the growth in this subject has given rise to an excellent textbook by Fendler and Fendler. We have felt for some time that a revision of Solubilization by Surface-Active Agents was overdue. The book has been out of print for some time. Owing to pressure of other work, Professor P. H. Elworthy and Dr C. B. Macfarlane were unable to undertake the work of revision but while working together on an undergraduate textbook the present authors decided to set to work, realizing both the impossibility of producing a comprehensive textbook and the need to alter the scope of the book. Micellar solubilization occurs over a relatively small surfactant concentration range; because of this and because the phenomenon is never observed in isolation, we have extended the text to include surface activity, emulsions and suspensions and, as our emphasis is on formulation of medicinal products, to the of the toxicology of surface-active agents.

Integrating basic and clinical research on the biophysical and physiological functions of pulmonary surfactants, this practical reference presents thorough, cutting-edge coverage on surfactant-related lung disease. Manage neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute lung injury more effectively!

There has been a spectacular development in both basic research on the pulmonary surfactant system and the clinical use of surfactant for treatment of lung diseases, especially in the neonatal period. In particular, the molecular biology and physiological roles of the surfactant-associated proteins (SP-A) have been clarified during the last few years; the structure and functions of these proteins therefore constitute an important hot topic, and are reviewed in several chapters of this volume. including surface chemistry and ultrastructure of surfactant components, the role of surfactant in lung mechanics and alveolar liquid homeostasis, and surfactant metabolism and its hormonal control. However, as mentioned above, clinical applications of surfactant research have become increasingly important and are therefore dealt with extensively in the remaining chapters. during the last few years to illustrate the fascinating complexity of the surfactant system. Hence, the main mission of this volume is to catalyze the future development in this field with the exchange of ideas between scientific workers from different disciplines.

Lung Epithelial Biology in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Disease provides a one-stop resource capturing developments in lung epithelial biology related to basic physiology, pathophysiology, and links to human disease. The book provides access to knowledge of molecular and cellular aspects of lung homeostasis and repair, including the molecular basis of lung epithelial intercellular communication and lung epithelial channels and transporters. Also included is coverage of lung epithelial biology as it relates to fluid balance, basic ion/fluid molecular processes, and human disease. Useful to physician and clinical scientists, the contents of this book compile the important and most current findings about the role of epithelial cells in lung disease. Medical and graduate students, postdoctoral and clinical fellows, as well as clinicians interested in the mechanistic basis for lung disease will benefit from the books examination of principles of lung epithelium functions in physiological condition. Provides a single source of information on lung epithelial junctions and transporters Discusses of the role of the epithelium in lung homeostasis and disease Includes capsule summaries of main conclusions as well as highlights of future directions in the field Covers the mechanistic basis for lung disease for a range of audiences

It is now twelve years since Solubilization by Surface-Active Agents appeared. Since the publication of that monograph the subject has expanded rapidly as the unique potential of surfactants has become known to a wider circle of scientists. In a recent review Menger (Accounts of Chemical Research, 12 (1979) 111) estimated that since 1970 there have been over 2800 publications on micelles and micellization alone. The topic of catalysis in micellar media was in an early stage of development in 1968 but the growth in this subject has given rise to an excellent textbook by Fendler and Fendler. We have felt for some time that a revision of Solubilization by Surface-Active Agents was overdue. The book has been out of print for some time. Owing to pressure of other work, Professor P. H. Elworthy and Dr C. B. Macfarlane were unable to undertake the work of revision but while working together on an undergraduate textbook the present authors decided to set to work, realizing both the impossibility of producing a comprehensive textbook and the need to alter the scope of the book. Micellar solubilization occurs over a relatively small surfactant concentration range; because of this and because the phenomenon is never observed in isolation, we have extended the text to include surface activity, emulsions and suspensions and, as our emphasis is on formulation of medicinal products, to the of the toxicology of surface-active agents.