Free Radicals and Inhalation Pathology

This book summarizes highlights in the field of free radicals in medicine and biology, with a detailed analysis of the extensive recent literature. It describes results from experimental research work on dust inhalation, hypoxia, and environmental toxicology using morphologic methods such as electron microscopy, interference microscopy and time-lapse techniques in tissue cultures. It also discusses free radical reactions that are probably involved in the pathogenesis of both physical and chemical environmental hazards and provides a list of radical scavengers that are useful prophylatic agents in case of unavoidable exposure. A short history of dust diseases that have challenged mankind since prehistoric times serves as an introduction to this comprehensive treatise. It is hoped that by covering this field in one monograph, adding light will be shed on the important role of both oxygen- and nitrogen-centered radicals in disease pathogenesis, a role that is receiving increasing recognition. The CD-ROM included with this volume lists nearly 25,000 literature citations useful as a reference source for researches, clinicians and students.