GABA Outside the CNS

GABA Outside the CNS
Author: Sandor L. Erdö
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 300
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3642769152

during the past few years increasing interest has been focused on the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) outside the central nervous systems (CNS).Biochemical, pharmacological, histochemical, physiological approaches have all been employed to investigate the role of GABA in themammalian periphery. The International Symposium on Peripheral GABAergic Mechanism held in Rome, July 1990, was devoted to gather scientists from allover the world in order to summarize and sythesize their most recent results and conceptions on the significance of GABA outside the CNS. Written in a thought-provoking style, this proceedings volume is an overviewof the timely knowledge about GABA in the peripheral nervous system and in non-neuronal tissues. Chapters of the book provide many examples for the diverse functions of this amino acid in the periphery as neurotransmitter, hormone, humoral or even trophic factor from the autonomic ganglia to the endocrine stomach and pancreas, from the tubular epithelium of the kidney to the spermatozoa.

Glutamate-Related Biomarkers in Drug Development for Disorders of the Nervous System

Glutamate-Related Biomarkers in Drug Development for Disorders of the Nervous System
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 74
Release: 2011-08-05
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309212219

Glutamate is the most pervasive neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite this fact, no validated biological markers, or biomarkers, currently exist for measuring glutamate pathology in CNS disorders or injuries. Glutamate dysfunction has been associated with an extensive range of nervous system diseases and disorders. Problems with how the neurotransmitter glutamate functions in the brain have been linked to a wide variety of disorders, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury. These conditions are widespread, affecting a large portion of the United States population, and remain difficult to treat. Efforts to understand, treat, and prevent glutamate-related disorders can be aided by the identification of valid biomarkers. The Institute of Medicine's Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders held a workshop on June 21-22, 2010, to explore ways to accelerate the development, validation, and implementation of such biomarkers. Glutamate-Related Biomarkers in Drug Development for Disorders of the Nervous System: Workshop Summary investigates promising current and emerging technologies, and outlines strategies to procure resources and tools to advance drug development for associated nervous system disorders. Moreover, this report highlights presentations by expert panelists, and the open panel discussions that occurred during the workshop.

Extrasynaptic GABAA Receptors

Extrasynaptic GABAA Receptors
Author: Adam C. Errington
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 301
Release: 2014-09-22
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 149391426X

GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS and acts via GABAA and GABAB receptors. Recently, a novel form of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition, termed “tonic” inhibition, has been described. Whereas synaptic GABAA receptors underlie classical “phasic” GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition (inhibitory postsynaptic currents), tonic GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition results from the activation of extrasynaptic receptors by low concentrations of ambient GABA. Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors are composed of receptor subunits that convey biophysical properties ideally suited to the generation of persistent inhibition and are pharmacologically and functionally distinct from their synaptic counterparts. This book highlights ongoing work examining the properties of recombinant and native extrasynaptic GABAA receptors and their preferential targeting by endogenous and clinically relevant agents. In addition, it emphasizes the important role of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in GABAergic inhibition throughout the CNS and identifies them as a major player in both physiological and pathophysiological processes.

GABA And Glutamate

GABA And Glutamate
Author: Janko Samardzic
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 139
Release: 2018-03-21
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9535138219

This book collates the contributions of a selected number of neuroscientists that are interested in the molecular, preclinical, and clinical aspects of neurotransmission research. The seven chapters in this book address the latest research/review data related to GABA/glutamate system's organization and function, the structure of receptors, subtypes and their ligands, as well as the translational approach and clinical implications. The book offers readers a rich collection of data regarding current and future applications of GABA and glutamate neurotransmission, including promising research strategies and potential clinical benefits.

The GABA Receptors

The GABA Receptors
Author: Salvatore J. Enna
Publisher: Humana Press
Total Pages: 325
Release: 2007-07-19
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9781588298133

The Gaba Receptors, Third Edition, presents a critical appraisal of our current understanding of the molecular, behavioral, biochemical, clinical, and pharmacological properties of GABA receptors. Emphasis is placed on exploring cutting-edge findings on the structureal properties of receptor sites, mechanisms of receptor expression, chemical agents that differentiate receptor subtypes, and phenotypes displayed by GABA receptor null mice. Chapters in this updated and expanded edition examine such topics as GABA receptor subypes, trafficking postsynaptic GABA receptors, GABA receptor mutations associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsies and febrile seizures, and GABA receptors as a potential therapeutic target.

Magnesium in the Central Nervous System

Magnesium in the Central Nervous System
Author: Robert Vink
Publisher: University of Adelaide Press
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2011
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0987073052

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. Indeed, it is perhaps the most complex structure we have ever encountered in nature. Both structurally and functionally, there are many peculiarities that differentiate the brain from all other organs. The brain is our connection to the world around us and by governing nervous system and higher function, any disturbance induces severe neurological and psychiatric disorders that can have a devastating effect on quality of life. Our understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of the brain has improved dramatically in the last two decades. In particular, the critical role of cations, including magnesium, has become evident, even if incompletely understood at a mechanistic level. The exact role and regulation of magnesium, in particular, remains elusive, largely because intracellular levels are so difficult to routinely quantify. Nonetheless, the importance of magnesium to normal central nervous system activity is self-evident given the complicated homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the concentration of this cation within strict limits essential for normal physiology and metabolism. There is also considerable accumulating evidence to suggest alterations to some brain functions in both normal and pathological conditions may be linked to alterations in local magnesium concentration. This book, containing chapters written by some of the foremost experts in the field of magnesium research, brings together the latest in experimental and clinical magnesium research as it relates to the central nervous system. It offers a complete and updated view of magnesiums involvement in central nervous system function and in so doing, brings together two main pillars of contemporary neuroscience research, namely providing an explanation for the molecular mechanisms involved in brain function, and emphasizing the connections between the molecular changes and behavior. It is the untiring efforts of those magnesium researchers who have dedicated their lives to unraveling the mysteries of magnesiums role in biological systems that has inspired the collation of this volume of work.

The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide

The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide
Author: Yogesh Dwivedi
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 485
Release: 2012-06-25
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 143983881X

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.

Taurine 3

Taurine 3
Author: Stephen W. Schaffer
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 510
Release: 2013-11-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1489901175

Proceedings of the International Taurine Symposium '97: Neurochemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology held in Tucson, Arizona, July 15-19, 1997

The Midbrain Periaqueductal Gray Matter

The Midbrain Periaqueductal Gray Matter
Author: Antoine Depaulis
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 469
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1461533023

This book constitutes the proceedings of a NATO Advanced Research Workshop held at Chateau de Bonas (France) from 10-15 July 1990 on the Midbrain Periaqueductal Gray Matter (PAG). The aim of this meeting was to review and integrate our knowledge about the functional, anatomical and neuro chemical organization of the PAG. The PAG has been the subject of many investi gations during the last decade usually on different topics (e.g., pain modulation, defensive and sexual behavior) and generally there has been little interchange between the different research areas. The main purpose of this meeting was to bring together, for the first time, scientists who have worked on the PAG from different perspectives. This book does not pretend to present an exhaustive review of the data collected during the last 20 years of research on the PAG. The contributors to this book have been selected because their data provide key elements in the search to understand both the organization of the PAG and the role of this structure in the integration of behavior. We believe that this book will provide clues that will assist in unraveling the organization of the PAG in the coming years.

Introduction to Neuropsychopharmacology

Introduction to Neuropsychopharmacology
Author: Leslie Iversen
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 568
Release: 2009
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 0195380533

The text ranges from drugs that affect the mood and behavior to hypnotics, narcotics, anticonvulsants, and analgesics, as well as a variety of drugs that affect the autonomic nervous system and psychoactive drugs used for non-medical reasons - nicotine, alcohol, opiates, psychostimulants and cannabis."--BOOK JACKET.