Cajal and contemporary scientists have laid the basis of the modem concepts of the organization of the nervous system: the cir cuits of the brain are made up of individual neurons which transfer information via specialized structures called synapses. Soma and den drites usually receive the inputs, then the signal is carried all along the axon to the target areas. To fulfIll this task several types of neurons have developed their unique geometry characterized by a large recep tive area (soma and dendrites) and an often very extensive distal branching with the axon terminals. The volume of cytoplasm which constitutes the neuronal periphery is often far larger than the cell body, where the synthetic machinery is located. It is one of the roles ofaxoplasmic transport to supply the periphery with proper material and to sustain the specialized structures necessary for the physiological activity of the neuron. Furthermore, it has become more and more clear that target areas also exert effects on the innervating neurons, and these effects are not only mediated via recurrent fibers. Synapses have been shown to be able to pick up material from the synaptic left which is then intra axon ally transported back to the cell body. This retrograde axoplasmic transport has therefore been recognized as another basic mechanism to convey signals from the periphery to the centre.
Axoplasmic transport is the intracellular movement of cellular components required for the maintenance and normal physiological functioning of neuronal cells. This book provides an up to date reference for both established investigators as well as for those entering in the field.This volume describes the history and methods of the study of transport and the involvement of energy, ions, calmodulin, microtubules and other cellular components in transport. It also discusses the transport of polypeptides, lipids, nucleic acids, neutrotransmitter containing components and various other particles in nerve fibres. A significant portion of this book is devoted to axoplasmic transport, regeneration and the relevance of transport in neurotropic functions are described in the alst four chapters, followed by a discussion on the mechanism of axoplasmic transport.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant source of death and permanent disability, contributing to nearly one-third of all injury related deaths in the United States and exacting a profound personal and economic toll. Despite the increased resources that have recently been brought to bear to improve our understanding of TBI, the developme
This book presents essential studies and cutting-edge research results on tau, which is attracting increasing interest as a target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Tau is well known as a microtubule-associated protein that is predominantly localized in the axons of neurons. In various forms of brain disease, neuronal loss occurs, with deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau in the remaining neurons. Important questions remain regarding the way in which tau forms hyperphosphorylated and fibrillar deposits in neurons, and whether tau aggregation represents the toxic pathway leading to neuronal death. With the help of new technologies, researchers are now solving these long-standing questions. In this book, readers will find the latest expert knowledge on all aspects of tau biology, including the structure and role of the tau molecule, tau localization and function, the pathology, drivers, and markers of tauopathies, tau aggregation, and treatments targeting tau. Tau Biology will be an invaluable source of information and fresh ideas for those involved in the development of more effective therapies and for all who seek a better understanding of the biology of the aging brain.
This volume contains the papers presented at the symposion on Central Neurone Environment and the Control Systems of Breathing and Circulation held at Bochum, October 5-7,1981 in honour of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans H. Loeschcke, who retired in March 1981. His discovery of ventral medullary substrates forming an essential drive for the ventilatory as well as for circulatory control systems, and the elaboration of this concept during the last 25 years have profoundly influenced the concepts in this field. In an age of proceeding specializa tion on partial mechanisms, his approach has always emphasized the integrative aspects of the control systems, especially the role of the respiratory control system for the ionic homeostasis of the brain and the close interrelation between neuronal respiratory and cardiovascular control. This general intention implies the combination of physico chemical and neurophysiological approaches as well as the study of peripheral function of respiration and circulation, topics which are usually handled separately according to the different methods.
The adult vertebrate central nervous system mainly consists of neurons, astrocytes, microglia cells, and oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the CNS, are subjected to cell stress and subsequent death in a number of metabolic or inflammatory disorders, among which multiple sclerosis (MS) is included. This disease is associated with the development of large demyelinated plaques, oligodendrocyte destruction, and axonal degeneration, paralleled by the activation of astrocytes and microglia as well as the recruitment of peripheral immune cells to the site of tissue injury. Of note, viable oligodendrocytes and an intact myelin sheath are indispensable for neuronal health. For example, it has been shown that oligodendrocytes provide nutritional support to neurons, fast axonal transport depends on proper oligodendrocyte function, and mice deficient in mature myelin proteins eventually display severe neurodegeneration. This Special Issue contains a collection of highly relevant primary research articles as well as review articles focusing on the development, physiology, and pathology of the oligodendrocyte–axon–myelin unit.
Fully updated and revised according to student feedback, the sixth edition of Mayo Clinic Medical Neurosciences: Organized by Neurologic System and Level provides a systematic approach to anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system inspired by the neurologist's approach to solving clinical problems. This volume has 4 sections: 1) an overview of the neurosciences necessary for understanding anatomical localization and pathophysiologic characterization of neurologic disorders; 2) an approach to localizing lesions in the 7 longitudinal systems of the nervous system; 3) an approach to localizing lesions in the 4 horizontal levels of the nervous system; and 4) a collection of clinical problems. This book provides the neuroscience framework to support the neurologist in a clinical setting and is also a great resource for neurology and psychiatry board certifications. This is the perfect guide for all medical students and neurology, psychiatry, and physical medicine residents at early stages of training. New to This Edition - A chapter devoted to multiple-choice questions for self-assessment - Discussion of emerging concepts in molecular, cellular, and system neurosciences - New chapters on emotion and consciousness systems - Incorporation of new discoveries in neuroimaging and an appendix for tables of medications commonly used to treat neurologic disorders
The importance of chloride ions in cell physiology has not been fully recognized until recently, in spite of the fact that chloride (Cl-), together with bicarbonate, is the most abundant free anion in animal cells, and performs or determines fundamental biological functions in all tissues. For many years it was thought that Cl- was distributed in thermodynamic equilibrium across the plasma membrane of most cells. Research carried out during the last couple of decades has led to a dramatic change in this simplistic view. We now know that most animal cells, neurons included, exhibit a non-equilibrium distribution of Cl- across their plasma membranes. Over the last 10 to 15 years, with the growth of molecular biology and the advent of new optical methods, an enormous amount of exciting new information has become available on the molecular structure and function of Cl- channels and carriers. In nerve cells, Cl- channels and carriers play key functional roles in GABA- and glycine-mediated synaptic inhibition, neuronal growth and development, extracellular potassium scavenging, sensory-transduction, neurotransmitter uptake and cell volume control. Disruption of Cl- homeostasis in neurons underlies pathological conditions such as epilepsy, deafness, imbalance, brain edema and ischemia, pain and neurogenic inflammation. This book is about how chloride ions are regulated and how they cross the plasma membrane of neurons. It spans from molecular structure and function of carriers and channels involved in Cl- transport to their role in various diseases. The first comprehensive book on the structure, molecular biology, cell physiology, and role in diseases of chloride transporters / channels in the nervous system in almost 20 years Chloride is the most abundant free anion in animal cells. THis book summarizes and integrates for the first time the important research of the past two decades that has shown that Cl- channels and carriers play key functional roles in GABA- and glycine-mediated synaptic inhibition, neuronal growth and development, extracellular potassium scavenging, sensory-transduction, neurotransmitter uptake and cell volume control The first book that systematically discusses the result of disruption of Cl- homeostasis in neurons which underlies pathological conditions such as epilepsy, deafness, imbalance, brain edema and ischemia, pain and neurogenic inflammation Spanning topics from molecular structure and function of carriers and channels involved in Cl- transport to their role in various diseases Involves all of the leading researchers in the field Includes an extensive introductory section that covers basic thermodynamic and kinetics aspects of Cl- transport, as well as current methods for studying Cl- regulation, spanning from fluorescent dyes in single cells to knock-out models to make the book available for a growing population of graduate students and postdocs entering the field
