Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, often cited as 5-HT) is one of the major excitatory neurotransmitters, and the serotonergic system is one of the best studied and understood transmitter systems. It is crucially involved in the organization of virtually all behaviours and in the regulation of emotion and mood, and pathological alterations in the serotonergic system underlie behaviour and psychiatric conditions (among a host of very successful drugs targeting the serotoninergic system are Prozac and Zoloft). This is the first truly integrated handbook providing a broad overview over the many face
With recent studies using genetic, epigenetic, and other molecular and neurochemical approaches, a new era has begun in understanding pathophysiology of suicide. Emerging evidence suggests that neurobiological factors are not only critical in providing potential risk factors but also provide a promising approach to develop more effective treatment and prevention strategies. The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide discusses the most recent findings in suicide neurobiology. Psychological, psychosocial, and cultural factors are important in determining the risk factors for suicide; however, they offer weak prediction and can be of little clinical use. Interestingly, cognitive characteristics are different among depressed suicidal and depressed nonsuicidal subjects, and could be involved in the development of suicidal behavior. The characterization of the neurobiological basis of suicide is in delineating the risk factors associated with suicide. The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide focuses on how and why these neurobiological factors are crucial in the pathogenic mechanisms of suicidal behavior and how these findings can be transformed into potential therapeutic applications.
A timely symposium entitled Body-Fluid Homeostasis: Transduction and Integration was held at Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil in 2011. This meeting was convened as an official satellite of a joint gathering of the International Society for Autonomic Neuroscience (ISAN) and the American Autonomic Society (AAS) held in Buzios, Rio de Janeiro. Broad international participation at this event generated stimulating discussion among the invited speakers, leading to the publication of Neurobiology of Body Fluid Homeostasis: Transduction and Integration. Drawn from the proceedings and filled with rich examples of integrative neurobiology and regulatory physiology, this volume: Provides updated research using human and animal models for the control of bodily fluids, thirst, and salt appetite Explores neural and endocrine control of body fluid balance, arterial pressure, thermoregulation, and ingestive behavior Discusses recent developments in molecular genetics, cell biology, and behavioral plasticity Reviews key aspects of brain serotonin and steroid and peptide control of fluid consumption and arterial pressure The book highlights research conducted by leading scientists on signal transduction and sensory afferent mechanisms, molecular genetics, perinatal and adult long-term influences on regulation, central neural integrative circuitry, and autonomic/neuroendocrine effector systems. The findings discussed by the learned contributors are relevant for a basic understanding of disorders such as heat injury, hypertension, and excess salt intake. A unique reference on the neurobiology of body fluid homeostasis, this volume is certain to fuel additional research and stimulate further debate on the topic.
A comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of our current understanding of the molecular and structural biology of 5-HT receptors and their potential use for drug discovery. The authors describe the anatomical, cellular, and subcellular distribution of 5-HT receptors and demonstrate a powerful approach to elucidating their physiological role using knockout mice in which the 5-HT receptors were deleted. They also review our understanding of the physiological role(s) of 5-HT receptors based mainly on studies performed in genetically engineered mice. Highlights include discussions of the behavioral phenotypes of 5-HT receptor knockout animals, the molecular biology and pharmacology of 5-HT receptors, and insights into the complexity of 5-HT receptor signal transduction.
The field of catecholamine research has not undergone comprehensive review for four years. In the interim, a tremendous amount of new information, obtained using molecular, genetic, neurochemical, and nuclear scanning techniques, has substantiated the important roles of catecholamine systems in development, cardiovascular function, psychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolism. This volume, based on the Ninth International Catecholamine Symposium, will have a substantial and lasting impact on medical science.
Tourette syndrome (TS) has become increasingly recognised within society and has gained scientific interest worldwide. Knowledge of its clinical presentation, mechanisms of disease, and available treatment approaches has increased remarkably over the last two decades. Likewise, the way clinicians, teachers, social care workers, and families face the problems manifested by patients with TS is rapidly evolving. Tourette Syndrome, edited by Davide Martino and James F. Leckman, offers a unique opportunity to capture this knowledge advance through a comprehensive and up-to-date overview. Tourette Syndrome covers all the main aspects related to TS, analyzing its complex clinical presentation, the novel viewpoints of causes and mechanisms, state-of-the-art assessment techniques, and the diversity of treatment options. Multidisciplinarity is the main asset of this volume, which represents a source of consultation for a wide audience of professionals, integrated with video tutorials related to particularly complex areas of patient management. Medical and PhD students, as well as post-doctoral scientists, will be able to use the volume as a valuable learning source.
A number of developments spanning a multitude of techniques makes this an exciting time for research in serotonin receptors. A comprehensive review of the subject from a multidisciplinary perspective, Serotonin Receptors in Neurobiology is among the first books to include information on serotonin receptor knockout studies. With contributions from l
Cells maintain uneven distribution of Na, K and Ca ions across the cell membrane and membranes of intracellular organellae. Cells exert their functions by allowing for some ion to cross the membrane through ion channels which either produces an electrical effect across the membrane or switches on a series of chemical or physicochemical reactions. This is a comprehensive book about these vitally important ion channels with detailed description of the molecular structure and function and especially of activators and inhibitors. All chapters are written by renowned specialists in their field.
