Calcium in Drug Actions

The volume contains an up-to-the-minute account of direct investigations into the role of calcium ions in cellular function. Information on the operation of calcium channels in the plasma membrane and the release of calcium from intracellular stores, especially by recently discovered inositol phosphates and the long investigated methyl xanthines are all dealt with at a level of the most modern methodology. The role of the ubiquituos Ca-Na exchanger, Ca-ATPase and calcium binding proteins are given detailed coverage with an account of chemical agents modifying these functions. Details of the interactions of Ca with known receptors such as calmodulin, troponin C, Ca sensitive ion channels and protein kinase C are all given expert treatment. This volume would not be complete without consideration of the chemistry of the Ca ion itself, ions which can substitute for Ca, in some instances producing toxic effects such as with lead, and the role of Ca in bone formation.

The Editorial Board and the Publishers of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology wish to express their profound grief at the untimely death of Professor Peter Baker. Aware of his international recognition as an expert on the ubiquitous role of calcium in physiological processes and their pharma- cological control, the Board was gratified when Professor Baker accepted its invitation to edit a new Handbook volume on "Calcium in Drug Actions." He went about this task with his usual energy and effectiveness so that, in the few months before his unexpected death, Professor Baker had mustered his distinguished contributors, got them to provide their manuscripts, and seen almost the entire material into the press. This achievement is all the more remarkable when one bears in mind the extraordinary number of his other commitments during the same time; they are mentioned in Sir Alan Hodgkin's preface to this volume. With so many other professional and personal responsibilities upon him, the Board of the Handbook wishes to record its grateful appreciation for the admirable way in which Professor Baker took on and carried out the additional work of bringing this fine book into existence; and the Board wishes it to be dedicated to the memory of Professor Peter Frederick Baker. The Editorial Board: G. V. R. BORN, P. CUATRECASAS, H. HERKEN, A.

Contents: The Multiple Physiological Roles of Calcium: Possible Sites for Pharmacological Intervention.- Calcium Receptors and Calcium Metabolism.- Calcium and Physiological Function.- Drugs and Toxicological Agents that Either Mimic Calcium or Elements of Intracellular Calcium Metabolism.- Subject Index.