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Epithelial cells are present in many different tissues in the body, and possess a diverse number of functional properties. However, all epithelial cells share some common characteristics. The cells possess a morphological polarity (an-apical and basolateral surface), and are interconnected by tight junctions. The epithelial cells also possess the capacity to transport select solutes across the monolayer. Transport systems localized on either the apical or basolateral surface are respon­ sible for this vectorial transport. Such characteristics of epithelial cells can be examined in the tissue culture situation. This volume discusses the use of cell culture techniques to study these fundamental properties of epithelial cells. Ma­ jor questions concerning epithelia which may be examined in culture are ad­ dressed. The approaches which are taken to answer these questions are described in detail with regards to kidney cell cultures. Similar investigations may be done with epithelial cell cultures derived from other tissues, following the kidney cell culture paradigm.

Epithelia are one of the commonest tissue types in the animal kingdom. Chapters from leading scientists in the major international research laboratories use examples from different systems to illustrate the form and function of epithelia. An important theme is the way in which epithelial cells differentiate to specialized tissue - reversal of this process occurs when cells become tumorigenic.

Building from general principles, the authors clearly explain the fundamental role of epithelia in plasma electrolyte and water balance. Emphasis is placed on experimental approaches and methodology. A comprehensive glossary of terms is included.

Biological cell membranes regulate the transfer of matter and information between the intracellular and extracellular compartments as basic survival and maintenance functions for an organism. This volume contains a series of reviews that are c- cerned with how epithelial plasma membranes regulate the transport of solutes between the intracellular and extracellular compartments of a cell. This book is also an attempt to analyze the molecular basis for the movement of various solutes across an epithelial cell membrane. This volume is devoted to a diversity of epithelial transport mechanisms in rep- sentative cell membranes of a variety of living things. The?rst section of the book (Chapters 1–6) focuses on mechanisms of solute transport in epithelia of inver- brates. The last section which comprises ten chapters (Chapters 7–16) deals with solute transporters in epithelial cell membranes of vertebrates. It is hoped that with this particular ordering the reader can glean a telescopic view of the evolutionary history of the various epithelial solute transporters.

An emerging theme in molecular and cellular microbiology has been the ability of many pathogens to usurp the host cell and eventually colonize the host. This interaction between bacteria and host is not unidirectional - both pathogens and host cells engage in a signalling cross-talk. Research focused on this cross-talk and discussed in this volume, reveals not only novel aspects of bacterial pathogenesis, but also key information about epithelial biology with broader implications in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Written by leading researchers in this field, this book provides a valuable overview of the host-bacterial interactions that occur at mucosal surfaces including the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts. It will therefore be a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers working on these systems or in the fields of molecular and cellular microbiology or infectious disease medicine.

Sodium reabsorbing epithelia play a major role in whole-body sodium homeostasis. Some examples of sodium regulating tissues include kidney, colon, lung, and sweat ducts. Sodium transport across these membranes is a two-step process: entry through an amiloride-sensitive sodium channel and exit via the ouabain-sensitive sodium/potassium ATPase. The sodium entry channels are the rate-limiting determinant for transport and are regulated by several different hormones. The sodium channels also play a significant role in a number of disease states, like hypertension, edema, drug-induced hyperkalemia, and cystic fibrosis. Amiloride-Sensitive Sodium Channels: Physiology and Functional Diversity provides the first in-depth exchange of ideas concerning these sodium channels, their regulation and involvement in normal and pathophysiological situations. - Summarizes current state of amiloride-sensitive sodium channel field - Analyzes structure-function of epithelial sodium channels - Discusses immunolocalization of epithelial sodium channels - Examines hormonal regulation of sodium channels - Discusses sodium channels in lymphocytes, kidney, and lung - Considers mechanosensitivity of sodium channels - Provides ideas on sodium channels and disease