Degradation Of Bioactive Substances: Physiology And Pathophysiology

Abstract

The last 2 decades have seen a substantial increase in the number of identified bioactive substances, and refined analyses now allow reliable determination of the concentration of several of these substances in plasma and tissue. The production, release, regulation, and function of hormones, neurotransmitters/modulators, signal substances, enzymes, plasma factors, tissue compounds, etc. are dealt with extensively in journals and textbooks. In contrast, the degradation of these substances has hitherto attracted much less interest. A number of new investigations on the disposal of circulating bioactive substances has given a more detailed insight into the mechanisms governing the plasma concentration of these materials, which justifies an updated survey.