Main description:

The original series, Advances in Prostaglandin Research, edited by Sultan M. M. Karim, was published by MTP Press in three volumes in 1975 and 1976. A glance at those books illustrates the progress that has been made since then. The thromboxanes were mentioned twice (first publication 1975) and prostacyclin not once (first publication 1976); leukotrienes were only on the horizon. The amazing generation of research data in the last 10-15 years has given new, broad insights into many areas, including asthma, inflammation, renaL cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases and in reproduction, and has led in some instances to real clinical benefit. This series,AdvancesinEicosanoidResearch, reflects the current understanding of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes. The aim is to provide an introductory background to each topic and the most up-to-date information available. Although each book stands alone, the eicosanoids cut across many boundaries in their basic actions; selected chapters from each book in the Series will provide illuminating and productive information for all readers which will advance their education and research. In the production of this series, I must acknowledge with pleasure my collaboration with editors and authors and the patient endeavours of Dr. Michael Brewis and the staff at MTP Press.

Contents:

1 The role of eicosanoids in inflammatory bowel disease.- 2 Laboratory methods for studying the role of eicosanoids in inflammatory bowel disease.- 3 Clinical uses of prostaglandins in peptic ulcer disease.- 4 Animal models for studying the role of eicosanoids in peptic ulcer disease.- 5 Protection against mucosal damage: Mechanism of action of eicosanoids.- 6 Interplay between anti-inflammatory drugs and eicosanoids in gastro-intestinal damage.- 7 Alkaline secretion by the stomach and intestine: Effects of eicosanoids and anti-inflammatory drugs.- 8 Eicosanoids and gastrointestinal motility.- 9 Effect of eicosanoids on gastrointestinal blood flow and microcirculation.- 10 The gastroduodenal mucus barrier and the place of eicosanoids.