Understanding the nature and role of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor appears to be crucial in the quest for improved treatments for hypertension, diabetes, ischemia-reperfusion and other vascular disorders.EDHF 2000 comprises the proceedings of the Third International Symposium on endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations. The first two meetings established a role for EDHF and other chemical factors involved in endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations. These proceedings focus upon the role of gap junctions in cardiovascular responses and investigate the chemical identity of EDHF. Additional chapters on Physiology, Hormonal Modulation and Pathological Changes are also included.EDHF 2000 will be of interest not only to physiologists and pharmacologists puzzled by the complexity of the interactions between the endothelium and underlying vascular smooth muscle cells, but also clinical researchers and physicians treating patients with cardiovascular diseases.

A collection of 47 papers from the June 2000 symposium on endothelium- derived hyperpolarizations, highlighting the emerging role of gap junctional communication in the genesis of the phenomenon. Several of the papers examine the chemical identity of endothelium- dependent hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) and the impact of physiology on endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization. Specific topics include endothelium and smooth muscle pathways for conduction along resistance microvessels, K+ as an EDHF in small arteries, the expression of recombinant cytochrome P450 epoxygebase in rat brains, and the mechanisms underlying the vasodilatation caused by bradykinin in hypertensive patients. Distributed by Taylor and Francis.
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