Neurotransmitter Release and its Modulation: Biochemical Mechanisms, Physiological Function and Clinical Relevance / Edition 1

by David A. Powis, Stephen J. Bunn, Klaus Starke

Overview

The group of chemicals known collectively as neurotransmitters form the basis of a complex communication system between nerve cells. It is a system that is constantly subtly refined and regulated via the modulating action of other neurotransmitters, circulating hormones, the products of local tissues and the action of various drugs (from both medicinal and socially abused sources). In this book, acknowledged authorities concisely describe the basic mechanisms involved in neurotransmitter release modulation in the different parts of the nervous system. This includes a quantitative evaluation of the significance of modulation, a summary of its biological ramifications and potential clinical relevance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521446167
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/24/1995
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	378
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.69(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Powis, David A. (Univ of Newcastle, New South Wales); Bunn, Stephen J. (Univ of Newcastle, New South Wales)

The contributors represent the specialties of pharmacology, physiology, and neurobiology. Most are from research centers and academic medical centers in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Institutions prominently represented include Univ of Newcastle in New South Wales, Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research in Victoria, Australia, Univ of Technology in Sydney, McGill Univ, Wayne State Univ, and Karolinska Institute.

Table of Contents

Part I. Neurotransmitter Release: 1. Mechanisms of exocytosis and the central role of calcium; 2. Co-transmission; 3. Models and mechanisms of neurotransmission; Part II. Modulation of Neurotransmitter Release: Basic Principles and Key Players: 4. Modulation of neurotransmitter release; 5. Modulation by autoreceptors; 6. Modulation by heteroreceptors; 7. Modulation by hormones and local tissue factors; 8. Modulation by corticosteroid hormones; Part III. Modulation of Neurotransmitter Release: The Cellular Mechanisms Involved: 9. Second messenger pathways in the modulation of neurotransmitter release; 10. Regulation of calcium influx as a basis for modulation; 11. Calcium-independent modulation; Part IV. Modulation of Neurotransmitter Release: Physiological Function: 12. In vivo evidence for presynaptic modulation; 13. Modulation of secretion from neurosecretory cells; Part V. Modulation of Neurotransmitter Release: Clinical Relevance: 14. Possible role of presynaptic receptors in hypertension; 15. Monoamine neurones and antidepressant treatments; 16. Modulation of neurotransmitter release by some therapeutic and socially-used drugs; 17. Beneficial therapeutic interventions via manipulation of presynaptic modulatory mechanisms.

Editorial Reviews

"This is a well-conceived book...[it] provides important background information for the neuroscientist...goes full circle in combining both the basic principles of neurotransmitter function with the clinical relevance of neurotransmitter release in the nervous system." Mark S. Luer, Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal

From the Publisher

3 Stars from Doody

This is a well-conceived book that describes the basic biochemical events and clinical relevance surrounding neurotransmitter release and modulation in the nervous system. The purpose is to provide an in-depth review of the biochemistry involved in neurotransmitter release and modulation in a manner that all interested readers can understand. The authors' aims are not just directed to the specialist, but are targeted to include wide readership. The book is written for a wide range of neuroscientists, including clinicians, research workers, and students. The book begins with the basics of neurotransmitter release and modulation and provides extensive background on each topic so that all levels of neuroscientists will find it useful. Including numerous anatomic and physiologic configurations as well as sufficient graphs, this book provides some excellent illustrations concerning neurotransmitter function in the nervous system. Many of the illustrations could appropriately serve as templates for future educational materials. The references for this text are both plentiful and well chosen. This book provides important background information for the neuroscientist concerning neurotransmitter release and modulation. It especially caters to the nonspecialist, although neuropharmacologists will find interest in a number of the topics covered. This book goes full circle in combining both the basic principles of neurotransmitter function with the clinical relevance of neurotransmitter release in the nervous system.

Mark S. Luer

Sections on neurotransmitter release; basic principles and key players in modulation of neurotransmitter release; cellular mechanism of modulation; the physiological function of modulation; and the clinical relevance of modulation describe the basic phenomena of neurotransmitter release and its modulation throughout the nervous system, and offer a quantitative evaluation of the biological significance of release modulation. Specific topics include models of neurotransmission; the roles of auto- and heteroreceptors and hormones; in vivo evidence for presynaptic modulation; and the effects of some therapeutic and socially used drugs on modulation. Paper edition (unseen), $49.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Reviewer: Mark S. Luer, PharmD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy)
Description: This is a well-conceived book that describes the basic biochemical events and clinical relevance surrounding neurotransmitter release and modulation in the nervous system.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide an in-depth review of the biochemistry involved in neurotransmitter release and modulation in a manner that all interested readers can understand. The authors' aims are not just directed to the specialist, but are targeted to include wide readership.
Audience: The book is written for a wide range of neuroscientists, including clinicians, research workers, and students. The book begins with the basics of neurotransmitter release and modulation and provides extensive background on each topic so that all levels of neuroscientists will find it useful.
Features: Including numerous anatomic and physiologic configurations as well as sufficient graphs, this book provides some excellent illustrations concerning neurotransmitter function in the nervous system. Many of the illustrations could appropriately serve as templates for future educational materials. The references for this text are both plentiful and well chosen.
Assessment: This book provides important background information for the neuroscientist concerning neurotransmitter release and modulation. It especially caters to the nonspecialist, although neuropharmacologists will find interest in a number of the topics covered. This book goes full circle in combining both the basic principles of neurotransmitter function with the clinical relevance of neurotransmitter release in the nervous system.

Doody's Review Service