Toxicology of 1 - 3-Beta-Glucans

A component of the fungal cell wall, 1®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®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®3-ß-glucans.