Effects of High Pressure on Biological Systems

1 Bacteria.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Examples of Pressure Effects on Specific Microbial Systems.- 3 Effects of High-Pressure Gases on Microbes.- References.- 2 Aspects of Eukaryotic Cells.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Eggs: Genetic Manipulations Using High Pressure.- 3 Cartilage: Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure in Articulating Joints.- 4 Platelets: Receptors and Cell Activation.- 5 Erythrocytes: Membrane Transport.- References.- 3 Ion Channels and Nerve Cell Function.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Ion Channels in Excitable Cells.- 3 Transmitter Release at Synapses.- 4 Excitable Cell Behavior.- 5 Conclusion.- References.- 4 Vertebrate Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle.- I Introduction.- 2 High-Pressure Inotropy in Vertebrate Skeletal Muscle.- 3. Mechanisms of High-Pressure Inotropy in Skeletal Muscle.- 4 High-Pressure Inotropy in Vertebrate Cardiac Muscle.- 5 Mechanisms of High-Pressure Inotropy in Cardiac Muscle.- 6 Conclusions.- References.- 5 Fish.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Shallow Water Fish: Effects of Pressure Applied for a Short Period.- 3 Shallow Water Fish: Effects of Pressure Applied for Days.- 4 Deep Water Fish.- 5 Conclusions.- References.- 6 The Nervous System: Man and Laboratory Mammals.- 1 Introduction.- 2 The High-Pressure Nervous Syndrome.- 3 Role of Environmental Parameters.- 4 HPNS and Individual Susceptibility.- 5 Electrophysiological Studies in Whole Animals.- 6 In Vivo Neuropharmacological and Neurochemical Studies.- 7 In Vitro Neurobiological Studies on Synaptic Neurotransmission in Isolated, Integrated Systems.- 8 Conclusions: Origins and Mechanisms of the High-Pressure Nervous Syndrome.- References.