Paracrine and autocrine regulation of cardiac function by "endothelial" mediators is becoming important both physiologically and pathophysiologically. This volume brings the researcher completely up to date with all aspects of endothelial regulation and cardiac function. Acknowledged experts in each field have contributed, making this work indispensable for researchers and of great interest to the clinical cardiologist. The Endothelial Cell Research Series publishes significant reviews by experts in the field. The individual volumes provide invaluable guides to researchers studying endothelial cells and are effective reference texts for anyone working in the general areas of vascular biology and neurotransmission. Endothelium was originally considered to be an inert lining for the blood vessels, but during the last fifteen years, this view has had to be completely revised. It is now accepted that the endothelium plays an important role in many diverse functions. This volume concentrates on the effect of the endothelium on cardiac function. It has been widely demonstrated that the endothelium exerts a paracrine influence on contraction of adjacent cardiac muscle through the release of several mediators, such as endothelin and nitric oxide. Recent studies also show that the effects of such mediators upon the heart are not limited to contraction alone.