Toxicology of 1 - 3-Beta-Glucans

A component of the fungal cell wall 1(R)3-ß-glucans not only affect human health they are a marker for the existence of fungi in environmental samples. This book introduces current methods for detecting 1(R)3-ß-glucans in environmental samples and reviews risk evaluation in the environment. It discusses numerous topics including likely occupational and environmental exposure studies suggesting a strong link between environmental glucan concentrations and pulmonary inflammation and signal transduction pathways and specific receptors. A unique volume the book pulls together the expertise of leading international researchers to provide a straightforward monograph on the toxicology of 1(R)3-ß-glucans.