In the past few years, the scientific community has witnessed significant progress in the study of ion channels. Technological advancement in biophysics, molecular biology, and immunology has been greatly ac- celerated, making it possible to conduct experiments which were deemed very difficult if not impossible in the past. For example, patch-clamp techniques can now be used to measure ionic currents generated by almost every type of cell, thereby allowing us to analyze whole-cell and single- channel events. It is now possible to incorporate purified ion channel components into lipid bilayers...

'Further establishes the reputation of the series...an invaluable resource.' -Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, from a review of Volume 3 Volume 4 explores such emergent topics as: three-dimensional conceptions of ion channel proteins based on the available structural and functional data; the structure, pharmacology, and regulation of the GABA_A receptors; and the Ca2+-dependent K+ channels in adrenal chromatic cell membranes.

In the past few years, the scientific community has witnessed significant progress in the study of ion channels. Technological advancement in biophysics, molecular biology, and immunology has been greatly ac- celerated, making it possible to conduct experiments which were deemed very difficult if not impossible in the past. For example, patch-clamp techniques can now be used to measure ionic currents generated by almost every type of cell, thereby allowing us to analyze whole-cell and single- channel events. It is now possible to incorporate purified ion channel components into lipid bilayers...

A wealth of information has been accumulated about the function of ion channels of excitable cells since the extensive and pioneering voltage clamp studies by Hodgkin, Huxley, and Katz 36 years ago. The study of ion chan- nels has now reached a stage at which a quantum jump in progress is antici- pated. There are many good reasons for this. Patch clamp techniques origi- nally developed by Neher and Sakmann 12 years ago have made it possible to study the function of ion channels in a variety of cells. Membrane ionic currents can now be recorded practically from many types of cells using the...

Intoxication of humans and animals has become increasingly important in recent years as has contamination of the environment by a variety of chemicals. In order to develop effective means by which such intoxication and contamination can be properly handled, it is imperative to know how these environmental agents act in humans and animals. Despite studies conducted by various investigators, the mechanisms of action of these environmental agents have not been fully elucidated. Insecticides are by no means an exception in terms of the seriousness of the problem and of the urgency of the need for...