THE BRITISH SOCIETY FOR CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH QUARTERLY BULLETIN

July 1996 Volume 9 No. 3

Contents

Editorial 3 BSCR Events Diary i 3 Secretary's Column 4 BSCR Workshop Report The Experimental and Therapeutic Gene Transfer and Antisense Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease 5 Meeting Report First Joint National Vascular Meeting: Diabetic Angiopathy 6 Job Advert Postdoctoral Electrophysiologist 7 Forthcoming Meetings 7' Nominations for BSCR Committee 8 Software Review: Cellular Mechanisms in Cardiac Physiology Functional Anatomy of the 10 BSCR Quarterly Bulletin Deadlines 11 British Heart Foundation Awards January/June 1996 12 BSCR Autumn Meeting Poster Mediators in Cardiovascular Disease 20

Registered Charity Number: 1011141

Supported by an educational grant from:

CARDIOVASCULAR THE BRITISH SOCIETY FOR CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH Quarterly Bulletin

Editors Committee Dr T. Jeff Allen Dr. Gary F Baxter Department of The Hatter Institute of Cardiovascular Studies Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine Department of Academic & Clinical Cardiology Rowland Hill Street University College Hospital London NW3 2PF Grafton Way Tel. 0171-794 0500 ext. 5751 London WCIE 6DB Fax. 0171-794 6854 Tel: 0171 380 9888 e-mail: [email protected] Fax: 0171 388 5095 e-mail: [email protected] Dr Kathryn O. Ryder Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Dr. Michael J Curtis John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU Pharmacology Group Tel. 01865-220 428/136 Biomedical Siences Division Fax. 01865-221 977 Kings College London e-mail: [email protected] Manresa Road London SW3 6LX Chairman Dr Peter Cummins Dr. Suzanna Hardman Dept. of Physiology Hatter Institute of Cardiovascular Studies Molecular Cardiology Unit University College London Medical School The Medical School, University of Birmingham Grafton Way Birmingham B15 2TJ London WCl 6DB Tel: 0121-414 6896 Tel. 0171-380 9888/288 5292 Fax: 0121-414 6924 Fax. 0171-388 5095/288 5010 e-mail: [email protected] Dr John Lee Secretary Dept. of Pathology Dr Metin Avkiran University of Sheffield Medical School Cardiovascular Research Box 596 The Rayne Institute Beech Hill Road St. Thomas' Hospital Sheffield SIO 2UL Tel: 0114 276 6222 London SEl 7EH Fax: 0114 278 0059 Tel. 0171-928 9292 ext. 3375 Fax. 0171-928 0658 Dr Ken MacLeod Treasurer Department of Cardiac Medicine National Heart and Lung Institute Dr Cherry Wainwright Dovehouse Street Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology London SW3 6IY University of Strathclyde Tel: 0171-352 8121 Ext. 3309 204 George Street Fax: 0171-823 3392 Glasgow Gl IXW e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0141-552 440 Ext. 2405 Fax: 0141-552-2562 e-mail:[email protected] UK Prof Jeremy Pearson Vascular Biology Research Centre Deputy Chairman King's College London Campden Hill Road Prof Gianni D. Angelini London W8 7AH Department of Cardiac Surgery Tel: 0171 333 4083 Bristol Royal Infirmary Fax: 0171 937 7783 Bristol BS2 8HW Tel. 0117-9283 145 Fax. 0117-9283 871

2 Editorial

We thought the April issue of the Bulletin was going to be our last - but here we are again! Whilst we thoroughly enjoy our posts and remain honoured to be in this position for disseminating information to the cardiovascular world, all good times should come to an end and we are happy to announce that replacement by suitably motivated candidates is scheduled for the next Bulletin. Jeff will be retiring as of now (assuming there are no disasters between now and the next issue), and Kathy will continue as overlapping editor for as long as required but probably the next two issues. We hope you will be introduced to the new Editors at the forthcoming BSCR autumn meeting at the end of August. We wish them the best of luck in taking over the Bulletin and pushing it on towards the next millermium! But back to this issue... Thanks once again to all those who have contributed this time. We have another software review, which should be of interest to those involved in recruitment of new blood to our field and reports fi-om the recent BSCR events. We still require Laboratory Profiles and review articles for the Bulletin. These have "dried up" over the last few bulletins mostly because we have badgered most of the people we know already!! Please volunteer for these contributions: anyone with a Lab. of more than three is eligible to write for the former and anyone who has just written a thesis seems ideal to advertise themselves and their subject by submitting a review article. We do not expect the usual elevated status of review articles authors for this Bulletin. We are more interested in articles fi-om "younger" authors for this slot. We are also interested in receiving comments on controversial issues arising in this field, even half a page is enough to start a discussion as we have found in the past!!

Kathryn Ryder & Jeff Allen

BSCR Events Diary:

Meetings: Workshops: Endogenous Mediators and Protection of Ventricular Fibrillation Contact: Dr. A the Heart Autumn 1996. Contact: Dr. C. Drake-Holland Tel. 0181-846-7282 Fax. Wainwright, Tel: 0141-552 440 Ext. 2405 Fax: 0181-846 7338 0141-552-2562 AffiUated Groups, Joint European Cardiac Hypertrophy Spring 1997. Contact: Sessions, etc.: Dr. A-M. Seymour, Tel. 01482-465-517 Fax. 01482-465-458or Dr. G. Hart Tel 01865-220 257 Fax. 01865-688 44 Myocardial Injury: present knowledge and future directions Autumn 1997. Contact: Dr. M-S Suleiman Tel: 0117 9283145 Fax: 0117 9299737

3 Secretary's Column

In the last issue of the Bulletin, I announced BSCR this Spring was the Plenary Session on the impending retirement, at the end of 1996, of "Applications of Today's Molecular Biology to 3 members of the BSCR Executive Committee Tomorrow's Clinical Practice", organised by (Drs Peter Cummins, Suzanna Hardman and Professor Peter Weissberg (under the auspices Ken MacLeod) and called for nominations to fill of the Society) at the Annual Meeting of the these posts. There has been an enthusiastic British Cardiac Society in Glasgow. The session response to this call, particularly from clinically was a great success and, based on my personal qualified members of the Society. The nominees observations, was hugely appreciated by the are Dr Adrian Brady (Glasgow), Dr Gavin audience, which not surprisingly was composed Brooks (London), Dr Michael Marber (London) largely of clinical cardiologists. The Society's and Dr Kathryn Ryder (Oxford). Since the thanks go to Peter Weissberg for organising not number of nominees exceeds the number of only this Plenary Session but also the subsequent, vacancies by one, a postal ballot is now required. extremely well-attended, BSCR Workshop in To facilitate this, ballot forms have been Cambridge, on a similar topic. circulated to the membership with this issue of Looking ahead to future meetings, the the Bulletin. The Bulletin also contains the brief programme for the Autumn 1996 Meeting has biographical details and statements of reasons been finalisedan d this will take place shortly in for wanting to serve on the Committee, provided Glasgow, on the topic of "Mediators in by the nominees (p8). I would urge all members Cardiovascular Disease". A report on this of the Society to make their wishes count, by meeting will be published in the next issue of the letting me have their completed ballot forms by Bulletin. Plans are also well underway for the le"^ August 1996 Spring 1997 Meeting at the University of Hull At its last meeting at St Thomas' Hospital on "Molecular Basis of Cardiac Hypertrophy" ^7 on 12* April 1996, the Committee unanimously (organised by Drs Anne-Marie Seymour and approved the selection of Professor Gianni George Hart) and the Autumn 1997 Meeting at Angelini as the next Chairman of the Society, to the University ofBristol on "Myocardial Injury" take over from Dr Peter Cummins from January (organised by Dr Saadeh Suleiman and 1997. In recent years, Gianni Angelini has made colleagues). Further details of these meetings an enormous contributionto the Society, initially will be circulated to members, as they become as an active member of the Committee and more available. recently as Deputy Chairman. He must also Finally, I would like to reiterate my plea take much of the credit for obtaining the to all active members of the Society to consider Educational Grant from Bayer, in support of submitting proposals for the Spring and Autumn BSCR activities. I am sure the Society will Meetings in 1998 (and beyond), as well as for continue to thrive under his leadership. Workshops over the next 12-18 months. I Since the publication of the last Bulletin, would remind members that generous budgets the joint meeting of the BSCR with the British (up to £10,000 for a two-day meeting and up to Microcirculation Society and the Royal Society £ 1,000 for a one-day workshop) can be provided of Medicine Forum on Angiology has taken by the Society for such events, thanks to the place at the University of Exeter, on the topic of support of Bayer. All proposals should be sent "Diabetic Angiopathy". A report on this to me, for forwarding to the BSCR Committee successful meeting is included in the current for consideration and approval. issue of the Bulletin. Another success for the Metin Avkiran

4 Workshop Report Experimental and Therapeutic Gene Transfer and Antisense Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease held at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge Organiser: Professor P.L. Weissberg Friday, lO*" May, 1996

The intention of the Workshop was to for manipulating gene expression in myocardial bring together UK researchers with an interest cells and Howard Prentice and his group from in gene transfer and antisense technologies for the University of Glasgow working on the cardiovascular disease. These scientific regulation of foreign genes in models of approaches are in their infancy and although myocardial ischaemia. The afternoon's their use in vitro is becoming commonplace, presentations were concluded by Peter Glennon their application to models of cardiovascular from Cambridge who presented results on the disease is only just beginning. Participants at effects of antisense oligonucleotides to MAPK the meeting, therefore, focused on preliminary to inhibit cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. data and technical approaches to their research The highlight of the day was the guest rather than presenting completed studies. This lecture given by Professor Jeffrey Isner from St generated the anticipated level of discussion Elizabeth's Medical Center, USA, who gave a amongst the participants and I think it is true to masterfijl account of the experiments leading up say that everybody gained considerably from to and including his human gene therapy trials the Workshop. for peripheral vascular disease. His presentation Presentations were largely 'group' based was very well received and generated a very with a pleasingly high contribution from students lively discussion. Delegates should be reassured and post-doctoral researchers in the field. Jean that his early departure was entirely pre-planned McEwan's group from the Hatter Institute and and not the result of an aggressive Scottish Andrew Newby's group from the Bristol Heart inquisition! Institute presented data on metalloproteinase The overall objective of the exercise, to expression in the vascular wall and how this bring together those of us in the UK working in might be manipulated. In contrast, David this new area of research, was undoubtedly Grossman's group from University of Sheffield achieved and a great deal of fruitful interaction focused more on antisense technology to inhibit took place. Gene manipulation as a tool for the cellular activity in the vascular wall. Other investigation of cardiovascular disease and vascular contributions came from Gerald ultimately as a form of therapy is at a very early Clesham and Martin Bennett from Peter stage of development but it was clear from the Weissberg's group in Cambridge who discussed presentations that substantial progress is being the use of adenoviral vectors for gene delivery made and, more encouragingly, that UK groups to vascular cells and the promise are producing data of high quality which will be and pitfalls of antisense technology respectively. competitive in the International setting. It will The afternoon session was devoted more be interesting to re-visit this issue in a few years' to the heart than the vasculature with time when some of the teething problems presentations from Michael Marber's group discussed at the Workshop have been resolved. from the Rayne Institute focusing on the potential Prof. Peter Weissberg Dept. of Clinical Pharmacology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge

5 Meeting Report First Joint National Vascular Meeting of the British Microcirculation Society, The British Society For Cardiovascular Research and the Royal Society of Medicine Forum on Angiology. Diabetic Angiopathy

138 delegates attended the first joint Professor Charles Michel entitled "The meeting ofthree ofthe British Vascular Societies formulation of Starling's hypothesis and 100 which was held at the University of Exeter on years of appreciating its significance". Professor the 17* to the 19* April 1996. The meeting was Michel initially gave an excellent review of arranged to encouraged communication and Ernest H Starling's life which had the audience cross fertilisation of ideas between groups with mesmerised, before going on to discuss the similar interests e.g. microcirculationists and formulation of the Starling hypothesis and how clinical angiologists, and incorporated an this has been modified over the years on the international sjmiposium on diabetic angiopathy. basis of more recent experimental evidence. St Luke's College provided a very successful The second open session incorporated venue with all the meeting rooms and communications from each of the societies and accommodation being focused around the the overlap of interests became very evident central quadrangle. with ten of the twelve communications relating The meeting commenced with a Clinical to diabetes. There was an elegant report from Microvascular workshop at which delegates Professor Forresters group which demonstrated were able to see and discuss the use of capillary that high glucose concentrations influence the microscopy and capillary anemometry for the progression of bovine retinal endothelial cells measurement of capillary red blood cell velocity, through the cell cycle. The observed decline in laser Doppler flowmetry and perfusion imaging DNA synthesis was mediated through a PKC- of skin blood flow, capillary pressure dependent pathway and dependent upon a measurements, and assessments of capillary facilitative glucose transport mechanism. Other filtration capacity and interstitial pressure. communications in this session included an The oral sessions of the British examination of the roles of advanced Microcirculation Society included both clinical glycosylation end products on microvascular and basic science topics. Dr Tozer reported that transport of fluid and protein and several studies the rat P22 carcinosarcoma was under the relating to the function of the endothelium in influence of a high degree of nitric-oxide induced diabetes. vasodilatory tone but was unable to produce The diabetic angiopathy symposium NO in response to acetylcholine. Chris Neal occupied the final one and a half days of the presented data showing that the compliance and meeting. There were five sessions covering the pressure required to rupture frog mesenteric topics of the pathogenesis of arterial disease in capillaries was temperature dependent, such diabetes, the pathogenesis of small vessel disease, that capillaries can withstand a higher diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and diabetic circumferential strain at cool (0-5°C) compared cardiopathy, peripheral vascular disease and to warm (12-20''C) temperatures. neuropathy. One of the highlights of the meeting was Eighteen invited experts from the United the Starling Centennial Lecture given by Kingdom, USA and Europe gave state of the art

6 lectures which were warmly received and formed an excellent overview of the formation of diabetic angiopathy in the different vascular beds. In a short meeting report it is impossible to adequately review the many talks given at the symposium but for me the most thought provoking were the lecture given by Prof J.S.Yudkin (London) which suggested that endothelial dysfunction may act as a common antecedent which is involved both in the impaired insulin action of insulin resistance and in atherothrombosis; and the talk by Prof A. Kofoed-Enevoldsen (Denmark) in which he suggested that early abnormalities of glomerular charge selectivity may occur in the presence of normoalbuminuria. The social events of the meeting included a symposium dinner at Powderham Castle on the banks of the river Exe, the home of the Earl of Devon. Although the sunny evening we had hoped for failed to materialise the castle still looked magnificent with the grounds bursting with daffodils and the deer roaming freely. The dinner was a very enjoyable event and as usual was an excellent forum for young members of the societies to get to know the more senior members. Angela C Shore, Senior Lecturer, University of Exeter. ^ Job Advert ^ POSTDOCTORAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIST A position is available from October 1996 for a postdoctoral cardiac cellular electrophysiologist (funded by a British Heart Foundation project grant for 1 year) to join a group studying the influence of platelet-derived substances on cardiac cellular electrophysiology using both isolated and cardiac myocyte preparations. Previous experience of electrophysiological techniques is desirable. Salary £16,451 p.a. including London Allowance on the RAIA scale. For further details and informal enquiries contact Dr. Nicholas Flores, Academic Cardiology Unit, Imperial College School of Medicine at St. Mary's, London W2 I NY; tel 0171-725 6267 or 725 6129; fax 0171-725 6732; e-mail: [email protected] General information about the group's activities are available on our web ^ site (http:/Avww. sm.ic.ac.uk/cardiology/home.htm) and the linked pages. ^

Forthcoming Meetings

Aug: Nov: 25-29 ESC Meeting, Birmingham.Tel. 0033-92 14-16 Potassium Channels, Washington, USA. 94 76 12 Fax. 0033-92-94-76-10 Tel. 01865-843 691 Fax. 01865-843 971 Sept: 20-21 Newcastle Meeting Physiological Society. 11-13 Leeds Physiological Society Meeting. Jan: 17 Deadline for Sheffield Physiological Society 30-1 New Perspectives in Ischaemic Heart Meeting Disease, Heart Failure Atherosclerosis and Oct: Hypertension, Bologna, Italy. Tel. 0039-55-50 11-12 Calcium Homeostasis in Cardiac Cells 00 631, Fax. 0039-55-50 01 912 e-mail Trento, Italy. Tel. 0039-461-314 480 Fax. 0039- [email protected] 461-810 851 e-mail [email protected] http:// www. cmbm. itc. it. school-cs. html

7 Nominations for BSCR Committee Nominations forms for four candidates for election to the BSCR Committee were received by the Honorary Secretary by J" June, J996. Since the number of candidates exceeds the number of vacancies on the Committee, an election is necessary. Brief biographical details and statements from each candidate are listed below. Please consult the Ballot Paper included in this issue of the Bulletin for details of how to vote.

Adrian Brady Consultant Cardiologist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Qualified fi-omEdinburg h University in 198 5. Trained in Cardiology at the Hammersmith Hospital, Royal Brompton Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. MRC Training Fellow with Dr SianHarding, Professor T J Williams andProfessorP A Poole-Wilson at the National Heart and Lung Institute, with research into nitric oxide and myocardial contractility. Winner of the American Heart Association Young Investigator's Award, and joint winner of the British Cardiac Society Young Research Workers' Prize, 1993. Retiring Chairman of the British Hypertension Research Group 1992 - 1996. Current research interests include: ischaemic heart disease, myocardial and vascular fiinction, hypertension and thromboembolism. 1 am keen to serve on the BSCR Committee because I wish to maintain strong links with basic research, and develop research strategies combining clinical and basic science. I believe that the experience gained as Chairman of the British Hypertension Research Group could be of value to the BSCR, with particular regard to strategy and fijnding. Proposed by: Prof. S.M. Cobbe Seconded by: Prof. P.A. Poole-Wilson

Gavin Brookes After obtaining a First Class Honours Degree in Pharmacy, I carried out my PhD studies in the field of signal transduction, cell proliferation and tumour promotion. This was followed, in 1988, by 3'/2 productive years as a post-doctoral research fellow at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund Laboratories in London. In 1992 I was recruited by Professor David Hearse to establish an active cellular and molecular biology facility within Cardiovascular Research, The Rayne Institute, ^^^^ St Thomas' Hospital, London. Since this time I have developed ^^^H research interests in the fields of cell cycle control during cardiac •^^H myocyte cell growth and hypertrophy and in the signal transduction pathways that mediate ischaemic preconditioning. Currently, there are two post-doctoral fellows and four post-graduates in my research team. I am the recipient of two major BHF project grants, a St Thomas' Hospital Special Trustees PhD Studentship and recently I have been awarded a BHF Intermediate Fellowship to continue my work on the cardiac myocyte cell cycle. In the past I have served as an Associate Editor of Cardiovascular Research (1991 -1995), a Member of the British Association for Cancer Research (BACR) Executive Committee (1992-1995) and currently I am a Member of the Institute of Biology Biomedical Sciences Committee (since 1994). I have been a Member ofthe BSCR and ISHR since 1992, have co-organised (with Dr Peter Sugden, NHLI) a one-day BSCR Workshop entitled "Signal transduction mechanisms involved in cardiac growth and hypertrophy" (January 1995) and have plans for a ftiU two day BSCR Meeting on Signal

8 Transduction and Growth Control in the Cardiovascular System in 1998. I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the Executive Committee of the BSCR and wish to maintain the high standards of excellence that current and previous members have achieved. I would like to increase the overall awareness of our Society to all researchers involved in cardiovascular research in the UK, encourage the interaction between basic scientists and clinicians and to promote the Society as one which welcomes young and dynamic cardiovascular researchers. I believe that my previous experience as a member of the BACR Executive Committee coupled with my wish to promote cardiovascular research in the UK would enable me to make a significant contribution to the B SCR. Proposed by: Prof. David Hearse Seconded by: Dr. Metin Avkiran

Michael Marber i I qualified in medicine at the Middlesex Hospital in 1984. During the following six years I worked exclusively in NHS Hospitals and m completed registrar training in cardiology at St George's Hospital in 1990. In 1990 I joined Professor Yellon at the Hatter Institute at UCL and also held an Honorary Senior Registrar contract at the UCL Hospitals. My research involved the assessment of myocardial ^^^^•I^^^T protection following stress protein induction and my thesis was ^^P^^^B awarded in 1993. In 19941 spent a year with Wolfgang Dillmann at the University of California in San Diego. In 1995 I returned to the UK as a Senior Lecturer/Honorary Consultant in Cardiology at UCL Medical School. In December 1995 I was appointed as Senior Lecturer and Head of Department of Cardiology at UMD S. My research interests revolve around myocardial protection and the investigation of genes whose products may protect the ischaemic myocardium. I also have clinical interests in the field of myocardial adaptation. On the basis of these investigations I was awarded the Richard Bing Young Investigators Award in 1995. By serving on the committee I feel I can best represent the interests of academic cardiology and promote the scientific training of clinical cardiologists. Proposed by: Dr. Metin Avkiran Seconded by: Dr. Gary Baxter

Kathryn Ryder Iqualified inMedicine in 1985 after completing an intercalated BSc. in Biophysics and Endocrinology at the Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London. After house jobs in Norwich and University College/Middlesex, I studied for and obtained MRCP during a two year rotation in general medicine at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow. Having already had a taste for membrane biophysics and membrane transport from my BSc, I decided to move to Oxford to study for a D.Phil, on changes in cardiac hypertrophy •| ^ and heart failure, as a MRC Training Fellow and Honorary registrar A • in cardiology. Since receiving my D.Phil, in 1992, I have been a Bristol-Myers Squibb Cardiovascular Fellow and a BHF Intermediate Fellow continuing this work. I joined the BSCR in 1990, and became Editor of the Quarterly Bulletin of the Society in 1992.1 have attended almost all of the committee meetings since my appointment and I am aware that the Society needs a committee that is active and forward-thinking. Members need to be encouraged to participate in more than just attendance at the meetings that are organised. The voice of this Society is becoming prominent in the cardiovascular community. I believe I have the experience and skills required to make this voice both heard and listened to. Proposed by: Prof. Mark Boyett Seconded by: Dr. George Hart

9 Software Review: Module 1 - Cellular Mechanisms in Cardiac Physiology Module 2 - Functional Anatomy ofthe Heart (vl.l) Andromeda Interactive Ltd, Medical Science Division, 9-15 The Vineyard, Abingdon, Oxford, 0X14 3PX (price: £475 per module single copy) the impulse spread. What one can probably We all know that effective teaching of forgive is a picture combining an image of the medicine is certainly not easy. And having the human heart (pacemakers marked) with a trace luck to absorb the particulars of ever-expanding of action potentials that must have been recorded knowledge - served in a captivating way - is from an animal sino-atrial node, without certainly something each of us have dreamt of explaining that the sources are different. But more than once, and not many have been what one can hardly forgive, in an educational priviledged to experience. material like this, is that when it comes to listing Does the new offer from Andromeda bring causes of sinus node dysfunction, a this dream closer to earth for those who would corresponding image from the Image Bank is like to walk through the avenues of cardiac entitled "Section through heart showing anatomy and physiology in an attractive, eflRcient, myocardial ischemia", and what we see is a and clinically relevant way? histological section of an infarction scar. Thus Both modules are organised in a similar the functional term of ischemia, i.e. a decreased way - each consists of two CDs: the first one supply of oxygenated blood (for which there are with voice-over tutorials, script bank, glossary separate imaging techniques!), becomes and bibliography, and a second containing a confused with the structural (histological) term bank of colour images. Each tutorial, of infarction/necrosis: not an optimal situation corresponding more or less to a traditional for someone at the start of their medical career. textbook chapter, is organised in a clear way Summing up, most of the complicated issues around several keypoints having three sections: related to the heart's own electricity are explained the audio-visual teaching part, text, and a quiz. in an attractive, short and simple way, stressing The quiz (text with 'blanks' or true/false the keypoints and providing a solid framework questions - sometimes too simple, and a few for further detailed reading for those who want/ formulated in a somewhat confusing way!) need it. provides an immediate feedback with a reference Any shortcomings? Yes, there are. A to a particular point of the tutorial if you hit the definitive and obvious one is the fact that the wrong answer. Scripts largely overlay with the images themselves (and the text similarly) may text part of the tutorials, and the pictures (some occupy only about 15-20% of your screen. Thus in motion!) with those from the image bank - but with a 17-inch screen some descriptions and the perhaps it was meant to be that way. tutorial text are border-line readible. This stems Electrical Activity of the Heart is one of from the fact that Andromeda have fixed their five tutorials in Module-1. Starting with a very resolution at 640x480 whereas many of the brief historical introduction, it takes you newer screens are using 800x600. With a basic smoothly through the main ion channels and ion knowledge of computers this can be resolved by distribution at rest and particular stages of the reducing the resolution of the computer to be action potential. The mechanisms involved in compatible with that of Andromeda, and would action potential generation are explained clearly be of no consequence on any dedicated machine. and avoiding the impression of complexity. A However, it seems unlikley that there will be few sections deal with pacemaking in the heart. many such computers in these days of education They nicely clarify where, when, as a result of cuts, so the irritation of fiddling about should be what, and how each cardiac cycle is initiated and considered.

10 Also, in a few 'slides' the picture (though Cellular Mechanisms in Cardiac always attractive) has little, if anything, to do Physiology and Functional Anatomy ofthe Heart with the 'explanatory' text. Thefill-in-the-blanks CDs are unlikely to be something an individual questions are at times completely reliant on student, researcher, or a busy clinician looking memory of the tutorial text rather than using for a quick refreshing of his/her memory is ones knowledge and logic. There is a surprising going to be able to afford, and use on their home number of inappriopriate (and unnecessary) PC may be restricted by the hardware word divisions and words split onto two lines requirements (minimum hardware requirements: which intuitatively make you ask if the marketed ffiM: 486, 8MB free RAM, 16 bit display card, version has been finallychecke d before emerging double speed CD drive, MCI compatible sound to the medical community via Andromeda's card and speaker kit, 14" SVGA colour monitor, door. with Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later; Mac: What medical students will certainly Quadra or Power Mac: 8MB free RAM, 16 bit appreciate is, for both modules, the frequent display card, double speed CD drive, 16-bit addressing of clinical relevance of the display card or 1MB video RAM, 14" high mechanisms that are being explained (eg. resolution colour monitor with system 7.01 or examples of valvular heart disease when teaching later). However, the idea of buying these valve anatomy), and introducing the recent programmes should definitely receive carefijl diagnostic and therapeutic tools (MRI, PTCA, consideration of those concerned with the quality by-pass grafting). High quality (almost 3-D!) of medical education who control teaching fiands images get easily and effortlessly planted in in cardiac/cardiac physiology departments. ones mind. As a result studying with Andromeda There are generous discounts for multiple stimulates the rise of clinical interest from basic modules (20% and 30% for two and three sciences, which nicely fits the idea of integrative modules respectively, either title) and a teaching of medicine. networked version for 10 users is only £675 On the whole, ahhough certain points will with £30 additional station charge for in excess still have to be looked up in a textbook, this of 10 users. interactive way of studying seems not only Whilst we would prefer to see a version of time-effective but also enjoyable and stimulating this software in which minor typographical errors - and thus it can keep your brain working (and, are removed and the few inaccuracies are simultaneously, enjoying itself) even in the corrected, these CDs definitely provide an ideal middle of the night, something which cannot be reinforcement to traditional teaching methods said for the standard medical textbook! in which the multimedia presentation facilitates knowledge acquisition is a most pleasurable fashion. Piotr Musialek and Kathryn Ryder, Research Fellows Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford A 30-day free trial is available if required. Contact: Louisa Perry, European Sales Manager at the above address or TeLOJ235-529 595 Fax. 01235-559-122 e-mail: [email protected]. Further information is available on http://www.andromeda.co.uk/medical.html

Submissions to future BSCR Quarterly Bulletins: Deadlines Volume Issue Deadline 9 4 October 1996 September 6"' 10 1 January 1997 December 6'^ 10 2 April 1997 March 7"'

11 BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION Awards January/June 1996

Senior Research Fellowships Intermediate Research Fellowships

Fellow: Dr CThiemermann, StBartholomew's, London Fellow: Dr T P Levine, Imperial Cancer Research Fund Supervisor: Professor Sir John Vane Supervisor: Dr S Munro Pathophysiology and therapy of septic shock. £170,994 The homeostatic mechanism controlling intracellular cholesterol levels: the role of oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) and its translocation to the Golgi apparatus. Fellow: Dr B R Walker, University of Edinburgh £84,081 Supervisor: Professor D J H Brock Mechanisms of abnormal glucocorticoid secretion and Junior Research Fellowships sensitivity in essential hypertension and insulin resistance: A key role for Cortisol in determining Fellow: Dr C S Carr, University College London cardiovascular risk. £215,979 Supervisor: Professor D M Yellon Investigation of the role of adenosine subtypes in triggering ischaemic preconditioning in the human Senior Research Fellowship Renewal myocardium. £60,087

Fellow: Dr P J R Barton Fellow: Dr R J Schilling, St Mary's Hospital, London Supervisor: Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub Supervisor: Drs W Davies & N S Peters Regulation of cardiac gene expression in development High resolution recording of cardiac activation to and disease. £174,385 investigate mechanisms of human cardiac arrhythmias using a novel non-contact mapping system. £87,143

International Fellowship Fellow: Dr IF Purcell, NHLI, London Supervisor: Professor S B Marston Fellow: DrD CLefroy, Hammersmith Hospital, London Regulation of cardiac muscle contractility in the normal, To: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA failing and hypertrophic human heart: an in vivo motility The role of nitric oxide in the regulation of cardiac study. £75,167 conducting tissue in humans. £36,719 Fellow: Ms S J Feam, South Manchester University Hospital Overseas Visiting Research Fellowships Supervisor: Professor C N McCoUum Cerebral injury during cardiac surgery: hypoperfusion or embolism? £64,676 Fellow: Professor G G S Sandor, University of British Columbia Fellow: Dr L E Vickers, Glasgow Royal Infirmary C/o: Professor R H Anderson, NHLI, London Supervisor: Professors S M Cobbe, G D O Lowe & I Ford Study of coronary in fetuses with pulmonary Evaluation of plasma markers of thrombosis, atresia with intact ventricular setpum. £9,673 inflammation or myocardial necrosis inpatients admitted with acute chest pain. £87,876 Fellow: Dr E E Verheijck, University of Amsterdam Fellow: Dr J R Crook, St George's Hospital Medical C/o: Professor D Noble, University of Oxford School, London Experimental investigation of the intercellular Supervisor: Dr J C Kaski interaction of cardiac myocytes using advanced model Does plasma transforming growth factor-B activity cell and action potential clamp techniques. £70,182 correlate with the severity or activity of coronary disease, and can it predict restenosis following coronary angioplasty? £80,889

12 PhD Studentships Project Grants Committee

Fellow: Unnamed, University College London Prof M J Brown Supervisor: Professor E D Saggerson Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge Characterisation of a type-2 phosphatidate Association and linkage studies ofthe endothelin genes phosphohydrolase from mammalian myocardium. in essential hypertension. £137,068 £57,349

Dr P M W Bath & Prof J F Martin Fellow: Ms J E Smith, Royal Free Hospital School of Kings College School of Medicine & Dentistry, London Medicine, London Megakaryocyte ploidy, gene and protein expression in Supervisor: Dr M P Gilbey primary hypercholesterolaemia and essential Patterning of sympathetic activity supplying identified hypertension, and the effect of lipid - and blood pressure arteries: the T-rhythm and its origin. £57,564 - lowering treatment on them. £75,835

Fellow: Ms K Dellow, NHLI, London Prof A D Struthers et ai Supervisor: Drs P J R Barton & N J Brand Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee DNA binding proteins which interact with the human The development and validation of techniques to assess cardiac troponin I gene. £57,479 compliance with ACE inhibitor therapy in chronic heart failure. £82,872

Fellow: Ms L V Turner, University of Leeds Supervisor: Dr J Colyer Prof J F Potter & Dr R B Panerai Determination of the structure of phospholamban by Glenfield Hospital, Leicester fluorescence energy transfer and electron microscopy. The influence of systemic blood pressure levels on £53,927 cerebral autoregulatory responses to static and dynamic stimuli in older persons. £66,648

Fellow: Unnamed, University of Leeds Supervisor: Professor A J Turner & Dr N M Hooper Prof D de Bono & Dr I Hudson Structure and metagenesis of the bradykinin degrading University of Leicester enzyme, aminopeptidase P. £47,929 Platelet activation and plasminogen availability after thrombolysis and its implications for coronary intervention. £69,492 Fellow: Miss S E Bruce, Supervisor: Dr J M Gardiner & Professor A H Weston Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel Prof NE Miller ring and side chain modifications of potent cardiotoxic St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, London alkaloids of the Pumiliotoxin class. £52,255 Reverse cholesterol transport and HDL metabolism in human tissue fluids. £251,775

Fellow: Miss J Bowes, St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, London Prof M IM Noble & Mr M Mansaray Supervisor: Professor C Thiemermaim Charing Cross & Westminster Medical School, London Novel approaches for the therapy of myocardial Further studies in the canine coronary artery with infarction. £55,159 critical stenosis and intracoronary thrombosis. £86,612

Fellow: Mr B E Jones, University of Manchester Supervisor: Dr K Clarke Myocardial energy transduction and insulin resistance. £55,073

13 Prof A D Gosman et al. Prof K-T Khaw & Dr R Clarke Imperial College, London University of Cambridge Pilot study for proposed projects combining MR blood Biological variability of plasma homocysteine levels in velocity measurements in the major vessels with analysis the elderly: Preparatory data for a large UK trial of folic via computational fluid dynamics. £16,425 acid supplementation to reduce coronary disease risk. £15,060

Dr F Kee et al. The Queen's University Belfast Drs G J Beckett & S W Walker The application of clinical judgement analysis to University of Edinburgh decisions on prioritisation for cardiac surgery. £25,751 Selenium and selenoprotein expression in the protection of human and porcine endothelial cells to oxidative damage and its implications for vascular reactivity and Prof CH Orchard atherogenesis. £103,914 University of Leeds Cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum function during adrenergic stimulation. £101,741 Dr M J M itchinson University of Cambridge The ceramide pathway and oxidised LDL-induced Dr K J Wood apoptosis in human macrophages. £44,743 John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford Augmentation of the ability of non-professional antigen presenting cells to induce tolerance to cardiac allografts Drs S Kapas & J P Hinson by blockade of their si gnal li ng potential in vivo. £ 13 3,184 The London Hospital Medical School Adrenomedullin: Potential role in the regulation of cardiovascular function. £109,012 Drs D J Chambers & M J Shattock St Thomas' Hospital, London Protection of the immature myocardium during Prof P Vallance & Dr K Bhagat ischaemia: Does it precondition and is there a synergistic University College London effect with cardioplegia?. £77,007 Local effects of cytokines on endothelial function and smooth muscle reactivity of human blood vessels in vivo. £97,969 Dr D Gaffney &. Prof C J Packard University of Glasgow Genetic determinants of low density lipoprotein Prof R J C Hall apolipoprotein B structure and function. £99,796 Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London The effect of repeated exercise-induced ischaemia on the time course and severity of exercise-induced Prof D C Cumberland et al myocardial stunning. £67,092 University of Sheffield The role of C-MYB in vascular cell proliferation and the mechanismof its inhibition by antisense oligonucleotides. Prof M Davies et al £79,614 St George's Hospital Medical School, London Mechanisms of myocyte death in human transplant hearts. £88,039 Prof H Tunstall-Pedoe et al Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee Validation of ten-year trends in serum cholesterol from Prof N Carter et al four Scottish MONICA population surveys using the St George's Hospital Medical School, London Abell-Levy-Brodie-Kendall method on archived serum. Association of genetic polymorphisms affecting £15,389 circulation TGF- with coronary artery disease. £ 140,017

14 Drs P V Lawford & B Hughes Dr A Chester et al Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Harefield Hospital, Middlesex A study of the effect of carboxy glutamic acid-containing Molecular mechanisms of nitric oxide synthase induction proteins on the calcification of bioprosthetic devices. in human vascular smooth muscle cells. £95,364 £28,188

Dr M A Mendall et al DrPMWBatheTa/L St George's Hospital Medical School, London King's College School of Medicine & Dentistry, London Association of serum cytokine levels with cardiovascular Is platelet size a risk factor for recurrent vascular risk factors and coronary heart disease. £35,150 disease? Assessment in the PROGRESS trial. £34,500

Dr A J Copp Drs M P Esnouf & G J Miller Institute of Child Health, London Radcliflfe Infirmary, Oxford Molecular mechanism of neural crest-related heart The pathology of factor VII activation induced by dietary defects in the splotch mouse. £204,370 hjperlipidaemia. £49,205

Drs M R Dashwood «& J C Kaski Drs K P J O'Kane & J J McMurray Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London University of Glasgow Distribution of endothelin-1, its receptors and NO Do oestrogens modulate the activity of key regulatory synthase in normal and diseased human coronary enzymes in resistance arteries in vivo in post-menopausal vasculature. £103,286 women?. £77,195

Dr B J Ward Dr F Muntoni Queen Mary & Westfield College, London Hammersmith Hospital, London Microvascular changes in response to myocardial Dilated cardiomyopathies due to dystrophin gene ischaemia and reperfiision. £102,321 mutations as a model for the characterisation of cardiac- specific regulatory sequences. £117,287 Drs M Jacobs i& K R Bruckdorfer Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London Dr V Ohanian et al Investigations into the significance of the nitration of Manchester Royal Infirmary protein tyrosine residues in health and vascular disease. The role of Src family of tyrosine kinases in the response £89,706 to contractile agonists in intact small arteries. £ 108,095

Dr T Bowker et al Dr A Shah National Heart & Lung Institute, London University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff Sudden aduh death syndrome (SADS). £207,005 Regulation of cardiac nitric oxide synthase in left ventricular hypertrophy. £99,675 Dr M Bennett & Prof P Weissberg University of Cambridge Prof A J Camm ICE regulation of human vascular smooth muscle cell St George's Hospital Medical School, London apoptosis and release of acfive IL-1 Beta. £102,977 Determinants ofthe subjective impact ofatrial fibrillation. £90,714

15 Dr V Ellis Dr D Jordan Thrombosis Research Institute, London Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London Characterisation of a novel tPA receptor on vascular Physiology and pharmacology of the cardiac effects of smooth muscle cells. £68,711 stimulating myelinated and unmyelinated vagal efferent fibres. £45,033

Dr M Petrou & Prof Sir Magdi Yacoub National Heart & Lung Institute, London ProfPGCamicirfai Studies on the pharmacological enhancement of skeletal Hammersmith Hospital, London muscle used for circulatory support. £131,371 A study to identify the brain regions which participate in the activation and deactivation phases ofthe baroreflex. £87,052 Dr P D Weinberg University of Reading Test of a novel version of the insulation theory by Dr N A Flores et aL mapping changes in lesion location caused by ageing, St Mary's Hospital Medical School, London hyperlipidaemia and alteration of nitric oxide synthesis. The effects of diadenosine polyphosphates on cardiac £74,554 electrophysiology and their contribution to the electrophysiological effects associated with platelet activation during myocardial ischaemia. £51,3 98 Dr P I Aaronson & Prof L Poston St Thomas' Hospital, London Mechanism of relaxation of human and rat resistance Drs J M McComb & S W Parry arteries by weak acids, carbon dioxide, and low pH. Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne £107,971 Assessment of quality of life in relation to cost effectiveness of different modes of pacing in the elderly. £52,940 Dr J T Norman University College London Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase and inhibitor Mr P C Beard & Dr T N Mills gene expression and activity by hypoxia: Direct or University College London indirect effects? £107,852 Intravascular, photoacoustic-photothermal analysis of the arterial wall using a miniature, optical fibre probe. £88,415 Dr N S Peters et aL St Mary's Hospital Medical School, London Correlation of gap-junctional organisation and patterns Dr M LafTm & Prof D Lane of electrical conduction in a guinea-pig model of Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London ventricular hypertrophy. £62,326 Structure function investigation of the natural coagulation inhibitors protein S. £145,399

Dr R Trembath University of Leicester Dr P Chan & Prof G Gabbiani Molecular genetic mapping of a locus determining Northern General Hospital, Sheffield susceptibility to primary (PPH). Differential protein expression in human restenosis and £38,354 vascular cell culture. £102,722

Prof A J Camm & Dr S M Sopher Dr M J Mitchinson St George's Hospital Medical School, London University of Cambridge The electro-mechanical effects of different methods of Oxidation of LDL and its components by different cell- cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. £89,073 types. £28,067

16 Prof J MacDermot Prof J T Powell Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London Charing Cross & Westminster Medical School, London The role of mono (ADP-ribosyl) transferase in vascular The response of saphenous vein endothelium to arterial smooth muscle cell migration. £115,080 flow: influence of pressure and K"^ channel blockade. £74,588

Prof B Henderson & Dr M Wilson Eastman Dental Institute, London Dr R A Armstrong et aL Bacterial surface proteins in the pathogenesis of infective Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh endocarditis. £101,820 Implications of trans isomers of arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids in coronary heart disease. £70,256 Prof M Davies St George's Hospital Medical School, London Dr K T MacLeod The mechanisms for, and role of, myocyte death in National Heart & Lung Institute, London dilated cardiomyopathy. £53,065 Alterations to gene expression in the heart: consequences for contraction and relaxation. £93,097

Dr S W D'Souza et at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester Prof D A Lane & Dr H Ireland L-arginine transport by the human placenta in pre• CharingCross & Westminster Medicine School, London eclampsia. £118,453 Thrombomodulin gene mutation as a risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke. £141,537

Dr E White & Prof M R Boyett University of Leeds Dr G Hart The role of the cytoskeleton in the modulation of University of Oxford mechanical and electrical activity ofthe heart. £ 113,000 A topographical analysis of myocyte electrophysiology in the normal and hypertrophied guinea pig heart. £79,503 Dr A E Fletcher et aL London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Mortality and morbidity among elderly men in relation Dr A J Ridley to cardiovascular risk factors in middle and old age. University College, London Resurvey and follow-up of the 1970 Whitehall study. Roles of Rho related proteins in vascular endothelial cell £259,415 fiinction and dysfimction. £112,027

Prof D de Bono Dr D R Dance et aL University of Leicester Royal Marsden Hospital, London Cytokine-induced changes in oxidative resistance of Paediatric angiography: justification of radiation dose endothelial and smooth muscle cells. £47,450 reduction using clinical audit. £99,652

Dr G Wright et aL Prof N G McHale et aL Keele University Queen's University of Belfast Low trauma cardiotomy suction for open-heart The morphological and electrical basis of pacemaking operations. £60,103 in sheep lymphatic vessels. £91,63 2

17 Prof D de Bono et al Drs C C Ashley & IP Mulligan University of Leicester University of Oxford The oxidative reactions of protein glycation and effects Role of regulatory proteins in determining the functional upon monocyte adhesion properties. £49,402 properties of hypertrophic cardiac tissue. £ 102,834

Dr A J Kaumann & N S Freestone Dr R J Plevin Babraham Institute, Cambridge University of Strathclyde Human cardiac B-adrenoceptors: 1) mediation of The role of ppeO'-" in the activation of the MAP kinase arrhythmias by B,- and B^- adrenoceptors; 2) nature and cascade in vascular smooth muscle cells - implications function of the third cardiac B-adrenoceptor. £123,311 for hypertension and restenosis. £126,225

Dr C T Murphy «& Prof J Westwick Dr P H Sugden University of Bath National Heart & Lung Institute, London The Ins(l,4,5) P^ receptor in platelets: a study of its Hypertrophy of ventricular myocytes: role of activation regulation and interaction with Ins (I,4,5)P3 and of src family protein tyrosine kinases and the small g- adenophostin. £88,797 protein ras in response to g-protein coupled receptor agonism. £38,201

Dr R H Clayton at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Drs J V Hunt & S A Millican The relationship between body surface and intracardiac University of Cambridge ECG signals during human ventricular fibrillation. The oxidative reactions of protein glycation and effects £48,013 upon monocyte adhesion properties. £49,402

Drs L L Ng & M Siczkowski Dr D J R Nunez et al Leicester Royal Infirmary Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London Kinase cascades and the hypertensive intermediate Generation of a transgenic model offamilia l hypertrophic phenotype in human lymphoblasts. £87,277 cardiomyopathy. £ 117,616

Dr C M Shanahan Mr R El Oakley et al University of Cambridge National Heart & Lung Institute, London Growth and differentiation factors (GDFs) in vascular Induced expression of gap junctions in skeletal muscle smooth muscle cell biology. £102,501 cells. £74,320

Prof D J Sheridan & Dr N P Kingsbury Drs P S Thomas & P J R Barton St Mary's Hospital Medical School, London National Heart & Lung Institute, London Does the regression of left ventricular mass reverse the The acute and chronic effect of testosterone on myocardial coronary vascular abnormalities associated with left ischaemia, peripheral blood flow and myocardial ventricular hypertrophy?. £96,773 fimction. £138,682

Dr M-S Suleiman & Mr A Pawade Dr P Collins University of Bristol National Heart & Lung Institute, London Changes in the intracellular free amino acid pool in The acute and chronic effect of testosterone on myocardial hearts of neonates, infants and children undergoing ischaemia, peripheral blood flow and myocardial open heart surgery. £55,281 function. £75,211

18 Prof A C Newby & Dr G B Newby Prof J M Marshall University of Bristol University of Birmingham Role of cytosolic 5' - nucleotidases in adenosine formation Effects of systemic hypoxia upon the pattern of in the heart. £117,187 sympathetic nerve activity to mesenteric and skeletal muscle arteries and on their responses. £127,609

Drs N S Peters & W Davies St Mary's Hospital Medical School, London Prof A M Gumey Post-operative atrial fibrillation: a study of the University of Strathclyde electrophysiology and functional morphology of atrial and pulmonary vascular tone. myocardium. £90,000 £117,120

Dr A-M L Seymour Dr D E Bowyer University of Hull University of Cambridge Energy provision and improved cardiac function in Role of complement activation on processes in regression ofhypertrophy and prevention of heart failure. atherogenesis and restenosis; effect of membrane attack £70,302 complex (MAC) on smooth muscle cell fiinction. £48,593 Dr £ R Maher et aL University of Cambridge Dr M Davies & Prof A Newby Isolation of congenital heart disease gene from Cardiff Royal Infirmary chromosome 3p25. £86,071 The consequence of basement degrading metalloproteinase activity on the vascular extracellular matrix. £77,665 Prof T Treasure & Dr D Holt St George's Hospital, London S-100 protein and neuropsychological outcome in cardiac DrPMABodin surgery. £80,719 University College, London Influence of shear stress on release and synthesis of vasoactive substances by endothelial cells. Role of these Dr S J Coker substances in the activation of nitric oxide synthase. University of Liverpool £158,105 Mechanisms contributing to arrhythmias associated with the acquired long QT syndrome. £107,330

Dr L A Robbie et aL Local inhibition of plasmin generation in thrombi and the vessel wall. £104,184

Prof M J Rennie University of Dundee Glutamine protection against ischaemia-reperfusion damage: optimisation and mechanisms. £121,797

19 THE BRITISH SOCIETY FOR CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH

AUTUMN MEETING 1996 MEDIATORS IN CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. 30-31 August 1996

Session 1: Purines Chair: Professor Alison Gurney; Dr Cherry L Wainwright 9.30-10.00 An overview of purines Professor Geoff Burnstock (University College London) 10.00-10.25 Purines and vascular smooth muscle Dr Charles Kennedy (University of Strathclyde) 10.25-10.40 Role of adenosine in myocardial ischaemic preconditioning Dr Gary Baxter {UCH, London) 11.00-11.35 The cardiac electrophysiology of purines Dr Luiz Belardinelli (University of Florida) 11.35-12.00 Clinical pharmacology of adenosine Dr Andrew Rankin (Glasgow Royal Infirmary) 12.45- 1.30 Poster Session

Session 2: Nitric Oxide Chair: Dr Brian L Furman; Dr R M Wadsworth 1.30- 1.55 An overview talk on nitric oxide Professor Bill Martin (University of Glasgow) 1.55- 2.25 NO produced by the inducible nitric oxide synthase ProfessorJean-C/at/t/e Sfoc/ef (Unlversite Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg) 2.25- 2.50 Endothelium/myocyte cross-talk DrAjay Shah (University of Wales) 2.50- 3.15 The clinical importance of nitric oxide Dr Patrick Vallance (St George's Hospital & Medical School, London) 3.45- 4.10 Overview on kinins Professor Jack Zeitlin (University of Strathclyde) 4.10- 4.40 Kinins as potential mediators of beneficial effects of ACE inhibitors Prof Dr med Bernward Scholkens (Hoechst, Frankfurt-am-Main) 4.45- 5.30 AGM of BSCR 7.00 Dinner in Barony Hall

Session 3: Endothellns Chair: Dr K A Kane; Dr P Sneddon 9.30- 9.55 An overview on the endothelins Dr Gillian Gray (Western General Hospital, Edinburgh) 9.55-10.20 The role of endothelins in myocardial Ischaemia Dr Cherry Wainwright (University of Strathclyde) 10.20-10.45 Pulmonary and systemic vascular effects of endothelins Dr Mandy Maclean (University of Glasgow) 11.05-11.30 The clinical pharmacology of endothelins DrJohn McMurray {Wesiern General Hospital, Edinburgh) 11.30-12.00 Overview of the interactions between endothelins, NO, purines and kinins Professor Jim Parratt (University of Strathclyde) 12.00 Lunch and Close of Meeting

A social programme has been arranged for the Saturday; including a trip to Loch Lomondside and a Barbeque at the University Recreational Centre, on the shores of Loch Lomond.

20