Intended primarily for researchers working with bioactive substances such as hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, and connective tissue makers, this book discusses the principles of degradation in major groups of bioactive materials with respect to physiology, location, and regulation. Peptidases; receptor-mediated endocytosis; organ extraction and clearance; and the degradation of specific proteins, peptides, amines, steroids, and polysaccharoides are featured. Pathophysiology and its role in diagnostics and disease are considered throughout the book, in addition to updates of recent...