Abstract
A welcomed update to a classic toxicologic pathology atlas (An Atlas of Experimental Toxicologic Pathology, 1987), this concise book covers a wealth of induced lesions in experimental animals. The illustrations and accompanying comprehensive text and bibliographies are arranged in 12 chapters according to organ systems. This volume (hardcover, 285 pp) includes over 700 color photos and deals mainly with nonneoplastic morphological changes encountered in various laboratory animals that were exposed to a wide range of pharmaceutical agents (including biologics), agrochemicals, and industrial chemicals. The images are mainly photomicrographs, although some gross images and electron micrographs are also included. Although the atlas is mainly concerned with nonneoplastic morphologies, representative images of some induced tumors are included. The atlas is based on the extensive experience of several veterinary pathologists following histopathological evaluation of routine toxicity studies.
The succinct, direct approach to each topic is a refreshing approach for the reader, rendering the information easily accessible. Each organ system is briefly introduced with an overview of the salient anatomic features, the unique susceptibilities of the organ, and a list of potential induced changes in the organ with appropriate illustrations. Pertinent histochemical techniques are included and species differences in responses are documented. There is an extensive bibliography to support further reading. This atlas conveys a wealth of information and is presented in a concise manner, which will be welcomed by the pathologist seeking a timely answer to a pathological problem. The efficient style of the narrative works well in covering what is after all a mammoth topic. The only minor criticism would be in the color balance of a few of the images.
An e-book version is available and this atlas lends itself well to the electronic formatting, which has the exact same layout as the hardcover book. The advantage of an e-book is that the reader can add his or her own notes and highlights. The bookmarks also allow easy movement between topics. Also, in common with all e-books, it is readily portable and searchable.
In summary, both newly minted and well-seasoned pathologists will appreciate this Atlas of Toxicological Pathology. The atlas is intended for those working in the fields of drug testing, experimental pathology, and clinical pharmacology. We are sure it will find its place in many pathologists’ personal libraries where it will be an invaluable reference book for many years to come. Obviously, this book cannot be considered to be a totally comprehensive atlas of all possible induced toxicologic lesions; it does, however, do a great job in covering the essentials in an authoritative style as one would expect from such knowledgeable authors.