Molecular Pharmacology of Cell Regulation Series Editor: M. D. Houslay This important Series provides topical, in depth and authoritative reviews on all aspects of the molecular mechanisms of cell regulatory processes. It attempts to unravel the molecular structures, properties and functions of systems which provide putative targets for the next generation of drugs. It will, therefore, be of major interest to biochemists, pharmacologists, molecular pathologists, endocrinologists, cell biologists and research clinicians working on the fundamental description of how cells regulate their own and each others activity, on the development of novel therapeutic agents and on analyses of pathological changes and genetic lesions. Volume 2 Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases: Structure, Regulation and Drug Action Edited by J. Beavo Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, USA and M. D. Houslay Institute of Biochemistry, University of Glasgow, UK Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases play a vital role in cell regulation as the enzymes which mediate the degradation of important second messenger molecules. For the first time, this book brings together the latest available information and opinion on the different species of phosphodiesterases and their isoenzymes. It includes sections on their identification, purification, structure and properties; the organisation of their encoding genes; regulation of phosphodiesterase activity in visual transduction, hormonal activation, cellular differentiation and pathological states; and the mode of action of selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterases and their therapeutic use in conditions such as congestive heart failure.