Cyclooxygenases. Methods and Protocols.

Edited by S.S. Ayoub, , R.J. Flower, , M.P. Seed. 2010, pp. 218, Eur 101.60, ISBN: 978-1-58829-953-6. Humana Press, New York, NY, USA.

Since the discovery of the pharmacological and toxicological importance of inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), much research has gone into the development of methods to study the biological functions of COX-1 and COX-2. In Cyclo-oxygenases: Methods and Protocols, experts and pioneers in the field present the most up-to-date in vitro and in vivo techniques routinely used in COX research. The volume delves into essential topics such as the purification, cloning, and expression of COX enzymes as well as in vitro assays aimed at determining the inhibitory potency of drugs on COX-1 and COX-2 activities, with chapters describing protocols used for the extraction and measurement of the prostanoids. This volume also describes in vivo disease models used to study the roles of COX-1 and COX-2 in gastrointestinal injury, inflammation, and pain. As a book in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series, the protocols chapters include brief introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

This volume serves as an indispensable tool for all scientists seeking the treatment of inflammation, pain, fever, and other harmful conditions.