Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Vol. 88A, No. 2, pp. 381-382, 1987 Pergamon Journals Ltd. Printed in Great Britain

BOOK REVIEWS

Approaches to new leads for lnsectlcldes--Edited by H. C. von Keyserlingk, A. Jager and Ch. von Szczepanski. 159 pp. 1985. Springer Verlag, Berlin. DM 68.

Forty-eight years after the discovery of the insecticidal potency of DDT, the subsequent introduction of more than 200 synthetic insecticides has been based on a limited number of lead structures. The present multi-authored volume reviews different approaches (anti-juvenile hor- mone, inhibitors of respiration, spider toxins, AChE in- hibitors, glutamate and GABA systems, biogenic amines and second messengers, neuropeptides) and indicates that a better basic knowledge of insect biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology should provide the basis for new selec- tive insecticides. Some of this essential knowledge is dis- cussed in the present volume.

Progress ln sensory physiology. Volume 6-Edited by D. Ottoson. 227 pp. 1986. Springer Veriag, Berlin. DM 98.

Four reviews are presented in this volume. (1) Receptor potential in rat taste cells by T. Sato. (2) Functional properties of the fish olfactory system by K. B. Doving. (3) Homeostasis of extracellular fluid in retinas of invertebrates and vertebrates by J. A. Coies. (4) Slowly conducting afferent fibres from deep tissues; neurobiologicai properties and central nervous actions by S. Mense. Each review is well illustrated and presented and provides an excellent summary of present knowledge of the subject.

The auditory braiaotem: a review of the struehue ami function of the auditory brailastem processing meeltanism-by D. R. F. Irvine. Frogrem in Semry physiology. Voimne 7. 279 pp. 1986. Springer Veriag, Berlin. DM 98.

In the auditory system 4 major processing levels are inter- posed between the primary afferents and the thalamo- recipient laminae of the primary cortical field. In the visual system there is only one such intermediate processing level whilst there are two in the somatosensory system. This volume provides a clear and detailed analysis of the auditory central processor; auditory nerve input to the central pro- cessor; cochiear nucleus anatomy and physiology; superior olivary complex anatomy and physiology; lateral lemniscus nuclei anatomy and physiology; auditory midbrain anatomy and physiology; auditory brain stem processing; integration and conclusions. An excellent volume.

Morphology, physiology and behavioral biology of tlcks- Edited by J. R. Sauer and J. A. Hair. 510~~. 1986. Ellis Horwood Ltd, Distributed by John Wiley, Chichester. E59.50.

The 22 chapters of this multi-authored volume surveys tick salivary gland structure, fluid secretion and toxins; water balance; neuroendocrine system; ecdysteroids; gonotrophic cycle; mating behavior; oogenesis and oviposition; blood digestion; tick pheromones; tick antigens; leg sense organs; tick-host interactions; ticks on reptiles; rickettsia in the tick host. The information in this book gives up-to-date infor- mation on the advances that have been made since the 1982 publication on Physiology of Ticks.

Equine q utrjtion aad feeding-by David Frape. 373 pp. 1986. Longman Scientific and Technical, Essex.

David Frape has provided an excellent survey of what is known about horse physiology and nutrition. The main topics dealt with are the digestive system; utilization of nutrients during maintenance, work and growth; role of major minerals and trace elements; vitamins and water needs; ingredients of horse feeds; estimating the nutrient requirements of the horse; feeding breeding mares; growth; feeding for performance; grassland and pasture manage- ment for horses; pests and ailments of horses and ponies related to diet, stable design and grazing areas; laboratory methods for assessing nutritional status; Appendices A. Dietary composition for a mare of 400 kg in the 4th month of lactation. B. Dietary errors of common occurrence in studs and training stables. C. Chemical composition of foodstuffs. D. Estimate of base excess of a diet and of blood plasma. Glossary. Many thousands of horses are kept for pleasure but their owners are often ignorant of the horses’ nutritional requirements. This book will give the informa- tion to vets and nutritionaiists who can then pass it on to owners and so improve the health of horses.

The ceil aml moiecuiar biology of fish oogenesia-by S. S. Guraya. 223 pp. 1986. S. Karger, Basei. S.Fr 175. Monographs in Developmental Biology. Volume 18

Fish oogenesis includes oocyte growth, vitellogenesis, ovum maturation, ovulation, oocyte maturation, and ovulation. The present volume describes ail these stages and includes details of the nuclear structure, cytopiasmic components of the oocyte, cortical alveoli and yolk, foilicular wail, and foiiicular atresia. The volume is well illustrated and contains a very extensive (28 page) bibliography. Fish eggs are easily obtainable and can provide admirable experimental ma- terial for studying protein synthesis, membrane receptors, nuclear regulation and fertilization, as well as allowing genetic manipulation for improved aquaculture of fish stocks. The present volume provides the background for such studies.

Advanced techniques in biological electron microscopy III- Edited by J. K. Koehier. 277~~. 1986. Springer Veriag, Berlin. DM 138.

This is the third volume in a series devoted to EM. The multi-authored chapters describe 3D reconstruction of non- periodic macromolecules from EM pictures; high resolution X-ray analysis of sodium, potassium and calcium in bioiog- icai material; metal deposition for high magnification EM; computer programs for biological stereology; cytochemical iabelling of freeze fractured ceils; colloidal gold probes preparation and use. The chapters are well illustrated and provide helpful information on the use of these techniques.

Concise dlctlonary of biology-Edited by Elizabeth Martin. 259 pp. 1985. Oxford Science publications, Oxford. $16.95, E7.95.

This is derived from the Concise Science Dictionary and has simple definitions of biological, biochemical, biophysicai terms together with some medical definitions. There are several line diagrams and formulae. The book will be useful to those in school and possibly first year at university.

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