The Pharmacology of Alcohol and Alcohol Dependence / Edition 1

by Henri Begleiter, Benjamin Kissin

Overview

This is a comprehensive review of the pharmacological effects of alcohol and the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of alcoholism. The book draws on general pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and alcohol studies to explore its theme. The second volume in the ALCOHOL AND ALCOHOLISM series, it focuses on the pharmacologic mechanisms underlying the development of alcoholism. The first section on basic pharmacology is concerned with those aspects that are common to all of alcohol's effects. These include pharmacokinetics, general metabolism, and cross-tolerance. The second section on neuropharmacology describes the effects of alcohol on various brain functions, including circulation and metabolism. The third section provides an in-depth review of the neurobiology of physical dependence, withdrawal, and physiological tolerance. The book as a whole gives a comprehensive and authoritative picture of the complex pharmacologic actions of alcohol, particularly on the nervous system. For clinicians and researchers in the field of alcohol and alcoholism, it will serve as a fundamental reference.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195100945
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	02/29/1996
Series:	Alcohol and Alcoholism , #2
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	536
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Begleiter, Henri (SUNY at Brooklyn); Kissin, Benjamin (SUNY at Brooklyn)

The contributors represent the specialties of physiology, pharmacology, psychiatry, and psychology. Most are from academic medical centers in the U.S. and Canada. Institutions prominently represented include SUNY at Brooklyn, Univ of Colorado Health Sciences Center, UCLA, and Univ of Toronto.

Table of Contents

1. The Pharmacology of Alcohol Dependence, B. Kissin and H. BegleiterI. General Pharmacology of Alcohol2. Pharmacokinetics of Ethanol: Absorption, Distribution and Elimination, H. Kalant3. Metabolism of Ethanol, Acetaldehyde and Condensation Products, A.I. Cederbaum4. Cross-Tolerance: Theoretical and Experimental Issues, J.M. Kahanna and A.D. LeII. Neuropharmacology of Alcohol5 Effects of Alcohol on Overall Brain Metabolism. , B.M. Altura, B.T. Altura, A. Zhang and Sam Zakhari6. Effects of Alcohol on Brain Circulation, B.M. Altura and B.T. Altura7 Effects of Alcohol on Electrophysiological Activity of the Brain. , B. Porjesz and H. Begleiter8. Alcohol, Alcoholism, and the Autonomic Nervous System: A Critical Account, I. Maltzman and K. MarinkovicIII. Neuropharmacology of Physical Dependence, Withdrawal, and Physiological Tolerance9. Effects of Alcohol on Neuronal Membranes, D.B. Goldstein10. Effect of Ethanol on Voltage-Gated Ion Channels, N.J. Leidenheimer, J.E. Dildy-Mayfield and R.A, Harris11. Effect of Alcohol n Neurotransmitters and their Receptors and Enzymes, B. Tabakoff and P.L. Hoffman12. Pharmacological Effects in the Development of Physiological Tolerance and Physical Dependence, R.A, Deitrich, R. Radcliffe and V.G. Erwin13. Neurobiological Substrates for the Anti-Anxiety Effects of Ethanol, G.F. Koob and K.T. Britton

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Michael Easton, MD (Rush University Medical Center)
Description: This is a detailed review of the pharmacokinetics of alcohol, its neurochemical and neurophysiological effects.
Purpose: The purpose is to add to the present body of information on this topic and add new dimensions to our understanding of the biological mechanisms that may underlie the disease of alcoholism.
Audience: This book is intended for those involved in the basic sciences and those interested in research regarding alcohol's effects from both a biochemical and neurophysiological perspective. It is not particularly useful for clinicians.
Features: It contains an appropriate number of illustrations, tables, and charts. It is well referenced, and the editors and authors are experts in there areas.
Assessment: This is a highly specialized and technical publication with a narrow focus on alcohol kinetics and its biophysiological and neurophysiological effects. It is divided into three parts — alcohol's general pharmacology, the neuropharmacology of alcohol, and finally the neurophysiology of physical dependence, withdrawal, and tolerance. The book reviews known information and brings some new information to light. It is a highly specific but important book intended for individuals involved in this area.

Doody's Review Service

3 Stars from Doody

This is a detailed review of the pharmacokinetics of alcohol, its neurochemical and neurophysiological effects. The purpose is to add to the present body of information on this topic and add new dimensions to our understanding of the biological mechanisms that may underlie the disease of alcoholism. This book is intended for those involved in the basic sciences and those interested in research regarding alcohol's effects from both a biochemical and neurophysiological perspective. It is not particularly useful for clinicians. It contains an appropriate number of illustrations, tables, and charts. It is well referenced, and the editors and authors are experts in there areas. This is a highly specialized and technical publication with a narrow focus on alcohol kinetics and its biophysiological and neurophysiological effects. It is divided into three parts -- alcohol's general pharmacology, the neuropharmacology of alcohol, and finally the neurophysiology of physical dependence, withdrawal, and tolerance. The book reviews known information and brings some new information to light. It is a highly specific but important book intended for individuals involved in this area.

Michael Easton