Neurotransmitter Methods / Edition 1

by Richard C. Rayne

Overview

Neurotransmitter Methods is intended as a bench-side companion for researchers who seek to identify, locaHze, or measure neurotransmitters and/or to identify sites of neurotransmitter action. Each method is detailed in a user-friendly "recipe" format and the prools are accompanied by extensive notes to high­ light and explain crucial steps. Approaches utilizing an incredibly diverse array of modem techniques are presented: methods including HPLC, hishemistry, immunocyhemistry, in situ hybridization, mass spectrometry, microdialysis, and electrochemistry all make at least one appearance. In addition, prools for associated methodologies, including the production of brain slices, dissociated neurons, synaptosomes/synaptoneurosomes, and neuronal plasma membranes are presented. Methods applicable to most of the recognized chemical types of neu­ rotransmitter are to be found and, although you may find absent any mention of your favorite neurotransmitter, many of the prools are sufficiently general to be adapted to alternative uses. So, how does this book contribute usefiilly to the horde of methods volumes stampeding across our bookshelves? 1 hope that the strength oiNeurotransmitter Methods lies in the variety of its content. The book provides in a single volume an array of techniques that could take a researcher from selection and preparation of a tissue source through to identification and measurement of neurotransmitter content and even onto characterization of neurotransmitter sites of action. Furthermore, the diversity of approaches presented reflects the need for today's bench neuroscientist to be a bit of a "jack (or a "jill"!) of all trades.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780896033948
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	02/06/1997
Series:	Methods in Molecular Biology , #72
Edition description:	1997
Pages:	271
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

Rayne, Richard C. (Birbeck Coll, London)

The contributors represent the specialties of neuroscience, neurobiology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and anatomy/cell biology. Most are from universities and pharmaceutical companies in seven countries, including the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. Institutions prominently represented include Univ of Amsterdam, Vrije Univ, SUNY-Brooklyn, and Univ of Sussex.

Table of Contents

Preparation of Brain Slices.- Preparation of Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures Using the Membrane Filter Method.- The Preparation and Use of Brain Slices and Dissociated Neurons for Patch-Clamp Studies of Neurotransmitter Action.- Synaptosomes.- Synaptoneurosomes.- Preparation of Synaptosomal Plasma Membranes by Subcellular Fractionation.- Detection of Neuropeptides by Immunocyhemistry.- Immunocyhemical Detection of Amino Acid Neurotransmitters in Paraformaldehyde-Fixed Tissues.- cGMP-Immunocyhemistry.- Microwave Antigen Retrieval in Formaldehyde-Fixed Human Brain Tissue.- Localization of Nitric Oxide Synthase Using NADPH Diaphorase Hishemistry.- In Situ Hybridization to Determine the Expression of Peptide Neurotransmitters.- Quantitative In Situ Hybridization Hishemistry.- Microbore Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Monoamine Transmitters.- Microbore Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Amino Acid Transmitters.- HPLC Methods to Isolate Peptide Neurotransmitters.- Neuropeptide Expression Patterns as Determined by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry.- GC/MS Determination of Biogenic Amines in insect Neurons.- Monitoring Amino Acid Neurotransmitter Release in the Brain by In Vivo Microdialysis.- In Vivo Detection of Neurotransmitters with Fast Cyclic Voltammetry.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: N. Rao Gundamraj, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description: This volume in the Methods in Molecular Biology series gives an informative account of the various laboratory techniques and protocols involving the localization or measurement of neurotransmitters. The methods are described in a lucid, easily understood recipe format. The methods of localizing various neurotransmitters in different locations of the brain are elaborated.
Purpose: The aim of this book is to assist in the identification of neurotransmitters and their measurement using the latest techniques and protocols. The format is user friendly and clear. The authors attempt to explain the various procedures step-by-step, starting with the basic techniques.
Audience: This book is intended for neuroscientists working with neurotransmitters. It can also be a good reference for neurophysiologists, pharmacologists, psychiatrists, molecular biologists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons involved in research studies on brain tissues.
Features: Each chapter has a short introduction describing the basic information about the techniques and transmitters, followed by a list of the materials and the actual laboratory methods of evaluation.. The authors have used the latest techniques of molecular biology and genetic evaluations. This book is an excellent step-by-step approach to localization of neurotransmitters in brain tissue. The language is simple and the presentation is excellent. The book begins with basic techniques of slice preparation in the brain. Inclusion of the topic of synaptosomes is an added advantage to the readers. Variable approaches in cell and organ culture, in situ hybridization, cell fractionation etc. are used.
Assessment: This book is an excellent reference for anyone working with neurotransmitters. The references are reliable and up-to-date. The diagrams and pictures are of good quality and are labeled appropriately. The techniques used are the latest in this field of study. This book not only serves as a comprehensive text of experimental methods for the practicing neuroscientist but is also a good aid for beginners in this field.

Doody's Review Service

3 Stars from Doody

This volume in the Methods in Molecular Biology series gives an informative account of the various laboratory techniques and protocols involving the localization or measurement of neurotransmitters. The methods are described in a lucid, easily understood recipe format. The methods of localizing various neurotransmitters in different locations of the brain are elaborated. The aim of this book is to assist in the identification of neurotransmitters and their measurement using the latest techniques and protocols. The format is user friendly and clear. The authors attempt to explain the various procedures step-by-step, starting with the basic techniques. This book is intended for neuroscientists working with neurotransmitters. It can also be a good reference for neurophysiologists, pharmacologists, psychiatrists, molecular biologists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons involved in research studies on brain tissues. Each chapter has a short introduction describing the basic information about the techniques and transmitters, followed by a list of the materials and the actual laboratory methods of evaluation.. The authors have used the latest techniques of molecular biology and genetic evaluations. This book is an excellent step-by-step approach to localization of neurotransmitters in brain tissue. The language is simple and the presentation is excellent. The book begins with basic techniques of slice preparation in the brain. Inclusion of the topic of synaptosomes is an added advantage to the readers. Variable approaches in cell and organ culture, in situ hybridization, cell fractionation etc. are used. This book is an excellent reference for anyone working with neurotransmitters. Thereferences are reliable and up-to-date. The diagrams and pictures are of good quality and are labeled appropriately. The techniques used are the latest in this field of study. This book not only serves as a comprehensive text of experimental methods for the practicing neuroscientist but is also a good aid for beginners in this field.

N. Rao Gundamraj

A collection of 20 adaptable and time-saving protocols written for neuroscientists working with the localization, identification, purification, or quantification of neurotransmitters. The research contributors provide methods for a spectrum of approaches involving cell and organ culture, histochemistry, immunochemistry, "in situ" hybridization, cell fractionation, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, in vivo microdialysis, and voltammetry. The protocols also contain instructions for the production of brain slices, dissociated neurons, and neuronal plasma membranes. Includes photographs and illustrations. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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