Paracrine and autocrine regulation of cardiac function by "endothelial" mediators is becoming important both physiologically and pathophysiologically. This volume brings the researcher completely up to date with all aspects of endothelial regulation and cardiac function. Acknowledged experts in each field have contributed, making this work indispensable for researchers and of great interest to the clinical cardiologist. The Endothelial Cell Research Series publishes significant reviews by experts in the field. The individual volumes provide invaluable guides to researchers studying endothelial cells and are effective reference texts for anyone working in the general areas of vascular biology and neurotransmission. Endothelium was originally considered to be an inert lining for the blood vessels, but during the last fifteen years, this view has had to be completely revised. It is now accepted that the endothelium plays an important role in many diverse functions. This volume concentrates on the effect of the endothelium on cardiac function. It has been widely demonstrated that the endothelium exerts a paracrine influence on contraction of adjacent cardiac muscle through the release of several mediators, such as endothelin and nitric oxide. Recent studies also show that the effects of such mediators upon the heart are not limited to contraction alone.

Malcolm J. Lewis obtained an M.B., B.Ch. from the University of Wales, UK where he also completed a Ph.D. in 1976 and a D.Sc in 1990. He presently occupies the post of Professor of Cardiovascular Pharmacology at the University of Wales College of Medicine. His current research interests involve the investigation of the role of endothelium in the control of vascular smooth muscle tone, platelet function and myocardial contractility in health and disease states., Ajay M. Shah trained in clinical cardiology at the University of Wales College of Medicine (UWCM) where he also obtained his Doctorate with Distinction. He has previously worked in Belgium and at the NIH (USA) and is currently MRC Clinical Senior Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Cardiology at UWCM. His main research interests are in endothelial regulation of myocardial and vascular function, both in the laboratory and the clinic.

1. Endocardial Endothelial Modulation of Myocardial Contraction 2. Molecular Regulation of NO Synthase in the Heart 3. Nitric Oxide, Sepsis and the Heart 4. Can Nitric Oxide Influence Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury? 5. Endothelin and Cardiac Hypertrophy 6. Endothelium and Myocardial Growth and Fibrosis 7. Endothelial Regulation of Cardiac Myofilament Responsiveness to Calcium 8. Natriuretic Peptides and Cardiac Function 9. Cardiac Inhibition of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme: Role of Kinins 10. Nitric Oxide and Cardiac Contraction: Clinical Studies 11. The Role of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) in Myocardial Disease: A Functional Duality 12. Coronary Vascular Endothelium, Preconditioning and Arrhythmogenesis 13. Nitric Oxide and Myocardial Contraction: Experimental Studies 14. Endothelin and Cardiac Contraction 15. Endothelin Receptor-Effector Coupling and Signaling in Cardiac Cells 16. The Relation of Endothelial Cell Regulation of Contractility of the Heart to the Supply of Oxygen