Examines new research on the role of cholesterol inregulating ion channels and receptors and its effect onhealth Drawing together and analyzing all the latest research findings,this book explores the role of cholesterol in the regulation of ionchannels and receptors, including its pathological effects. It isthe first book to comprehensively describe the complex mechanismsby which cholesterol regulates two major classes of membraneproteins. Moreover, it sheds new light on how cholesterol affectsessential cellular functions such as the contraction of the heart,propagation of nerve impulses, and regulation of blood pressure andkidney function. Written and edited by leading pioneers in the field,Cholesterol Regulation of Ion Channels and Receptors isdivided into three parts: Part I, Cholesterol Regulation of Membrane Properties,introduces the heterogeneity of cholesterol distribution inbiological membranes and the physical and biological implicationsof the formation of cholesterol-rich membrane domains. Part II, Cholesterol Regulation of Ion Channels,examines the mechanisms underlying cholesterol sensitivities of ionchannels, including the regulation of ion channels by cholesterolas a boundary lipid. Part III, Cholesterol Regulation of Receptors, exploresthe latest discoveries concerning how cholesterol regulatesdistinct types of receptors, including G-protein coupled receptors,LDL and scavenger receptors, and innate immune systemreceptors. Increased levels of cholesterol represent a major health risk.Understanding cholesterol regulation of ion channels and receptorsis essential for facilitating the development of new therapeuticstrategies to alleviate the impact of pathological cholesterolconditions. With this book as their guide, readers have access tothe most current knowledge in the field.