In recent years, there has been increased research on cellular pathophysiology in animal and tissue models simulating human disease processes. The result of this research, which has been carried out primarily by physiologists, pharmacologists, biochemists, anatomists, pathologists, and clinicians, is now presented in this forum. A better understanding of how cellular, subcellular and molecular mechanisms initiate and progressively intensify organic/systemic disease processes is important in the development of rational therapies against these disease processes.