Neuroactive Steroids in Brain Function, Behavior and Neuropsychiatric Disorders


Book Description

This book provides an up-to-date overview of the role of neurosteroids and neuroactive steroids in the regulation of brain processes and neuropsychiatric disorders. It addresses the neurosteroid function in brain development and plasticity, in both the normal and the pathological brain. It also suggests possible therapeutic approaches to the use of natural occurring or sinthetic neurosteroids. The contributors suggest that neuroactive steroids could have a role in clinical practice.




Extrasynaptic GABAA Receptors


Book Description

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.




Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies


Book Description

Jasper's Basic Mechanisms, Fourth Edition, is the newest most ambitious and now clinically relevant publishing project to build on the four-decade legacy of the Jasper's series. In keeping with the original goal of searching for "a better understanding of the epilepsies and rational methods of prevention and treatment.", the book represents an encyclopedic compendium neurobiological mechanisms of seizures, epileptogenesis, epilepsy genetics and comordid conditions. Of practical importance to the clinician, and new to this edition are disease mechanisms of genetic epilepsies and therapeutic approaches, ranging from novel antiepileptic drug targets to cell and gene therapies.




Frontiers in Pharmacology of Neurotransmitters


Book Description

Numerous phenomenal advances have been made towards understanding the role of neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, and these have resulted in a large number of novel molecules with the potential to revolutionize the treatment and prevention of such disorders. This book provides a comprehensive and detailed explanation of brain neurotransmitters and their receptors and associated channels. It includes a basic introduction, and also discusses the functions and recent advances and their pharmacology, highlighting the role of various computer aided drug design (CADD) strategies for the development of therapeutic ligands to modulate these receptors/ion channels. Written in an easy-to-read style, it is intended for neuroscience and pharmaceutical students and researchers working in the area of brain neurotransmitters.




Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry


Book Description

The merger of behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry into a single medical subspecialty, Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry, requires an understanding of brain-behavior relationships and a clinical approach that transcends the traditional perspectives of neurology and psychiatry. Designed as a primer of concepts and principles, and authored by a multidisciplinary group of internationally known clinical neuroscientists, this book divides into three sections: • Structural and Functional Neuroanatomy (Section I) addresses the neuroanatomy and phenomenology of cognition, emotion, and behavior • Clinical Assessment (Section II) describes neuropsychiatric history taking, neurological and mental status examinations, neuropsychological assessment, and neuroimaging, electrophysiologic, and laboratory methods • Treatment (Section III) discusses environmental, behavioral, rehabilitative, psychological, social, pharmacological, and procedural interventions for cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders. By emphasizing the principles of Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry, this book will improve your understanding of brain-behavior relationships and inform your care of patients and families affected by neurobehavioral disorders.




Ocular Pathology


Book Description

The new, 5th Edition of the premier ocular pathology resource offers the latest information in the field. Over 2095 illustrations *1800 in full color* from the authors' collections represent one of the finest compilations of rare and unusual ocular conditions available. Comprehensive, yet concise, it explores new topics such as complications of corneal surgery, vascular disorders, secondary cataracts, bone-marrow transplant retinopathy, neural retinal detachment, ocular melanotic tumors, and more. Plus, a companion CD-ROM and text/CD-ROM package are available! Explores new topics such as complications of corneal surgery, vascular disorders, secondary cataracts, bone-marrow transplant retinopathy, neural retinal detachment, and ocular melanotic tumors (including diabetes). Offers expanded coverage of entities such as chromosome 17 deletion syndrome, necrobiotic xanthogranuloma, climatic protoglycan stromal keratopathy, unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy, acute mutifocal retinitis, idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, North Carolina macular dystrophy, familial internal limiting membrane dystrophy, clumped pigmentary retinal dystrophy (clumped pigmentary retinal degeneration), vasoproliferative retinal tumors, Schwartz's syndrome, familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy, familial atypical mole and melanoma (FAM-M) syndrome, and more! Features specific genetic profiles for many existing entities.




The Assessment and Treatment of Addiction


Book Description

Get a quick, expert overview of all types of addiction – from substance use disorders to behavioral addictions and more. This practical resource presents a focused summary of today's current knowledge on topics of interest to all health care professionals who work with those who suffer from this wide-ranging problem. It provides current, relevant information on emerging findings, best practices, and treatment challenges, covering a variety of assessment and treatment strategies and making it a one-stop resource for staying up to date in this critical area. - Discusses precision health in addiction; the latest trend of electronic cigarettes; state-of-the-art treatments for opioid use disorder and cannabis use disorder; best practices for chronic pain; prevention among adolescents; the role of physicians in the prescription drug epidemic; and the role of integrative interventions in addiction treatment. - Includes coverage of behavioral addictions such as internet, sex, and gambling; food addiction; PTSD and substance use disorders; preventing relapse; the neurobiology of addiction; and more. - Consolidates today's available information on this timely topic into one convenient resource.




Homeostatic Control of Brain Function


Book Description

Homeostatic Control of Brain Function offers a broad view of brain health and diverse perspectives for potential treatments, targeting key areas such as mitochondria, the immune system, epigenetic changes, and regulatory molecules such as ions, neuropeptides, and neuromodulators. Loss of homeostasis becomes expressed as a diverse array of neurological disorders. Each disorder has multiple comorbidities - with some crossing over several conditions - and often disease-specific treatments remain elusive. When current pharmacological therapies result in ineffective and inadequate outcomes, therapies to restore and maintain homeostatic functions can help improve brain health, no matter the diagnosis. Employing homeostatic therapies may lead to future cures or treatments that address multiple comorbidities. In an age where brain diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's are ever present, the incorporation of homeostatic techniques could successfully promote better overall brain health. Key Features include · A focus on the homeostatic controls that significantly depend on the way one lives, eats, and drinks. · Highlights from emerging research in non-pharmaceutical therapies including botanical medications, meditation, diet, and exercise. · Incorporation of homeostatic therapies into existing basic and clinical research paradigms. · Extensive scientific basic and clinical research ranging from molecules to disorders. · Emerging practical information for improving homeostasis. · Examples of homeostatic therapies in preventing and delaying dysfunction. Both editors, Detlev Boison and Susan Masino, bring their unique expertise in homeostatic research to the overall scope of this work. This book is accessible to all with an interest in brain health; scientist, clinician, student, and lay reader alike.




Sex Hormones in Neurodegenerative Processes and Diseases


Book Description

The book provides chapters on sex hormones and their modulation in neurodegenerative processes and pathologies, from basic molecular mechanisms, physiology, gender differences, to neuroprotection and clinical aspects for potential novel pharmacotherapy approaches. The book contains 14 chapters written by authors from various biomedical professions, from basic researchers in biology and physiology to medicine and veterinary medicine, pharmacologists, psychiatrist, etc. Chapters sum up the past and current knowledge on sex hormones, representing original new insights into their role in brain functioning, mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The book is written for a broad range of audience, from biomedical students to highly profiled medical specialists and biomedical researchers, helping them to expand their knowledge on sex hormones in neurodegenerative processes and opening new questions for further investigation.




An Introduction to Neuroendocrinology


Book Description

This book is designed as an introductory text in neuroendocrinology; the study of the interaction between the brain and endocrine system and the influence of this on behaviour. The endocrine glands, pituitary gland and hypothalamus and their interactions and hormones are discussed. The action of steroid and thyroid hormone receptors and the regulation of target cell response to hormones is examined. The function of neuropeptides is discussed with respect to the neuroendocrine system and behaviour. The neuroimmune system and lymphokines are described and the interaction between the neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems discussed. Finally, methods for studying hormonal influences on behaviour are outlined. Each chapter has review and essay questions designed for advanced students and honours or graduate students with a background in neuroscience, respectively.