In this book, neurosteroids are clearly distinguished from other types of steroids. A large number of studies that focus on biosynthesis, metabolism, and different effects of neurosteroids on the nervous system are discussed. There is also an explanation of how these agents can be of significant therapeutic value in many neurological disorders. The purpose is to make the reader understand the physiochemical properties of neurosteroids to see how they may be used as pharmacological agents. The objectives fulfilled in this book are worthy and meet those of the editors. According to the editors, this book is written for neurobiologists, endocrinologists, psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, pharmacologists, and geriatricians. In addition, this book will probably also be of interest to practicing neurologists. The editors of have been involved with research on the subject for a long time and are among the pioneers in this field. The topics covered include the definition of neurosteroids and their biosynthesis and regulation. This is followed by a discussion of the different effects of these neurosteroids on the nervous system. The future and possible use of these compounds as pharmacological agents in clinical practice are also discussed. In addition, the authors talk about the different actions of neurosteroids on the nervous system receptors. The chapters on their effects on the GABAergic receptors are especially well written. This is one of the first books devoted entirely to neurosteroids, and many studies done in this field over the past 15 years are summarized. This is a unique text in the field of neurosteroids. It is based on research spanning many years and places the reader onthe first step of studying these pharmacological agents that may be of important therapeutic value especially in neurotrophicity, behavior, and age-related cerebral dysfunction. This is a rediscovery of an exciting field of research for all neuroscientists.
Not really new, but recently discovered by Baulieu (biochemistry and human reproduction, College of France, Paris) himself. Scientists and clinical researchers join him in reviewing all facets of neurosteroids known to be involved in behavior, stress, memory, depression, anxiety, aging of the brain, and neurodegenerative diseases. Pointing the way to new pharmaceutical agents that may be of significant therapeutic value in aging mental functions and other problems, they look at the role of neurosteroids in brain development and plasticity, and their neuromodulary influence on GABAA, ionotropic glutamate receptors, acetylcholine receptors, sigma receptors, and calcium channels. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Reviewer: Hassan Ahmed Al-Shatoury, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description: In this book, neurosteroids are clearly distinguished from other types of steroids. A large number of studies that focus on biosynthesis, metabolism, and different effects of neurosteroids on the nervous system are discussed. There is also an explanation of how these agents can be of significant therapeutic value in many neurological disorders.
Purpose: The purpose is to make the reader understand the physiochemical properties of neurosteroids to see how they may be used as pharmacological agents. The objectives fulfilled in this book are worthy and meet those of the editors.
Audience: According to the editors, this book is written for neurobiologists, endocrinologists, psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, pharmacologists, and geriatricians. In addition, this book will probably also be of interest to practicing neurologists. The editors of have been involved with research on the subject for a long time and are among the pioneers in this field.
Features: The topics covered include the definition of neurosteroids and their biosynthesis and regulation. This is followed by a discussion of the different effects of these neurosteroids on the nervous system. The future and possible use of these compounds as pharmacological agents in clinical practice are also discussed. In addition, the authors talk about the different actions of neurosteroids on the nervous system receptors. The chapters on their effects on the GABAergic receptors are especially well written. This is one of the first books devoted entirely to neurosteroids, and many studies done in this field over the past 15 years are summarized.
Assessment: This is a unique text in the field of neurosteroids. It is based on research spanning many years and places the reader on the first step of studying these pharmacological agents that may be of important therapeutic value especially in neurotrophicity, behavior, and age-related cerebral dysfunction. This is a rediscovery of an exciting field of research for all neuroscientists.
"The editors of have been involved with research on the subject for a long time and are among the pioneers in this field...This is one of the first books devoted entirely to neurosteroids, and many studies done in this field over the past 15 years are summarized...This is a unique text in the field of neurosteroids. It is based on research spanning many years and places the reader on the first step of studying these pharmacological agents that may be of important therapeutic value especially in neurotrophicity, behavior, and age-related cerebral dysfunction. This is a rediscovery of an exciting field of research for all neuroscientists..." Weighted Numerical Score: 96 - ****-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal
"This volume, edited by the discoverer and pioneers in neurosteroid research, contains 20 articles by eminent scholars that comprehensively review all aspects of research on neurosteroids....this is an excellent, comprehensive review that will be a tremendous asset to those who study neurosteroids, as well as their colleagues, students, and others who would like to learn what is known at present about these important neuroactive steroids. The timeliness and importance of this topic and the comprehensive nature of this volume make it a particularly valuable component of the Contemporary Endocrinology series." -Quarterly Review of Biology
"There are so many interesting chapters in this monograph that deal with all aspects of the biology and pharmacology of the neurosteroids that it is impossible to give more than a superficial overview of the subject in this review. The editors have brought together most of the main players in the neurosteroid field and I would strongly recommend this volume to any experimental or clinical neuropharmacologist, who wishes to be informed about this growing area of neurosteroid research." - Human Phychopharmacology
"The field of neurosteroids is relatively new and was largely defined by theeditors of this multi-author book...There are several excellent review papers on the nomenclature and activities of steroids and their synthesizing enzymes. The family of cyhrome P450 enzymes is thoroughly dealt with." - Acta Neurologica Belgica
"...a remarkable book, worth to come in the hands of all cellular and molecular biologists,...Its richness comes from the long experience of the authors and particularly of Beaulieu..." - Cellular and Molecular Biology
"This monograph will be of great for endocrinologists, biochemists, pharmacologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and all those dealing with any functions of the nervous system and its integrative role." - Endocrine Regulations
"This book avoids most of the usual pitfalls of multiauthor volumes: it has a theme, contemporary and relatively unexplored, and the chapters are well constructed, relevant and don't overlap too much. Packed with digestible information, it fully justifies its title. We are on the threshold of a new branch of neuroscience, and this is our travel guide." -Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
