International Review of Connective Tissue Research, Volume 1 is a collection of papers that deals with fibroblast, the hormonal control of connective tissues, and calcification of skeletal tissues. One paper reports on the origin, morphology, structure, and the effect of drugs on fibroblasts such as the toxic substance found in sweet pea meal that causes human lathryrism. Another paper discuses hormonal control of connective tissue related to aging, arteriosclerosis, tumors, infection, fertility, and endocrine diseases. The author also describes the repair process of an injured connective tissue; it is characterized by edema, mucinous, and fibrous organization of the extracellular water—a process similar to regeneration and growth. One author describes the structure and general distribution of susceptible blood vessels, as well as, vascular degeneration in diabetes. Another author describes the calcification and formation of bones. He reviews Robison's theory of calcification, the seeding or nucleation concept of calcification, and the role of alkaline phosphatase in calcification. This volume will prove valuable for pathologists, endocrinologists, physiologists, molecular or cellular biologists, gerontologists, and researchers in gene therapy, pharmacology or micro-chemistry.
