Provided here is an up to date account of how high pressures
affect cellularprocesses in microorganisms and in
eukaryotic cells. Topics include membranetransport, cell
activation, the excitable properties of cells, muscular
contraction, with particular emphasis on cardiac muscle, and
the role of pressure in the physiology of cartilage in load
bearing joints. Additionally there are thorough reviews of
the effects of pressure on fish and on the central nervous
system of mammals, including man.

Contributions by: R.E. Marquis, A.C. Hall, D.M. Pickles, J.J. Kendig, Y. Grossman, S.H. Heinemann, P.M. Hogan, S.R. Besch, P. Sebert, J.-C. Rostain