Neuropathology of Drug Abuse


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge concerning neuropathologies resulting from drug abuse. The first chapters offer readers detailed information on the neurobiological basics of drug abuse and the results of neuroimaging studies in drug abusers. The focus of the book is on neuropathological findings in drug abusers for the predominant substances, which include cannabis, opiates, cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine and a broad spectrum of designer drugs. These findings are supported by histological illustrations and discussed in connection with recent scientific publications. A chapter specifically addressing clinicians is also included, and highlights the implications for further therapy. The book is essential reading for neuropathologists, neurologists, neuroradiologists and psychiatrists, as well as other health professionals and scientists interested and engaged in the problem of drug abuse. Although a great deal of data has been derived from animal models and from human neuroimaging studies, little is known about the morphological effects of drug abuse on the human brain. In recent years, fundamental drug-induced effects on the cellular elements of the brain have been detected. These alterations might not only be the substrate of the neuroimaging data but might also have implications for clinical research and therapy. In addition, drug abuse may induce premature neurodegeneration.




The Effects of Drug Abuse on the Human Nervous System


Book Description

Drug use and abuse continues to thrive in contemporary society worldwide and the instance and damage caused by addiction increases along with availability. The Effects of Drug Abuse on the Human Nervous System presents objective, state-of-the-art information on the impact of drug abuse on the human nervous system, with each chapter offering a specific focus on nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, sedative-hypnotics, and designer drugs. Other chapters provide a context for drug use, with overviews of use and consequences, epidemiology and risk factors, genetics of use and treatment success, and strategies to screen populations and provide appropriate interventions. The book offers meaningful, relevant and timely information for scientists, health-care professionals and treatment providers. - A comprehensive reference on the effects of drug addiction on the human nervous system - Focuses on core drug addiction issues from nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol, and other commonly abused drugs - Includes foundational science chapters on the biology of addiction - Details challenges in diagnosis and treatment options




Neurotoxicity of Nanomaterials and Nanomedicine


Book Description

Neurotoxicity of Nanomaterials and Nanomedicine presents an overview of the exciting research in neurotoxicity and nanomaterials. Nanomaterials have been extensively used in medicine, including diagnosis probes, drug carriers, and embedded materials. While some have been approved for clinical use, most nanomaterials are waiting to be transferred from lab to clinic. However, the toxicity is a main barrier that restricts the translation. This comprehensive book includes chapters on the most commonly used individual nanoparticles, with information on the applications, neurotoxicity, and related mechanisms of each, providing the most in-depth and current information available. The book examines the pathways that nanomaterials enter into, and eliminate, from the brain, along with the strategies that could reduce the neurotoxicity of nanomaterials. Providing a background to the subject, detailed information, and ideas for future directions in research, the book is essential for students and researchers in toxicology, and for those in medicine, neurology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical science, and materials science who are researching nanomaterials. - Presents a thorough discussion of the most common nanoparticles in the brain and their neurotoxicology - Includes the most common nanoparticles, their applications, and mechanisms - Provides one of the first books to focus on nanomedicine and neurotoxicity







Addictive Behaviour: Molecules to Mankind


Book Description

In this health-conscious age there is increasing concern about tobacco smoking and inappropriate consumption levels of alcohol. Alcoholism poses an important occupational health problem which can affect an individual's personal welfare and limit his or her efficiency at work. There is concern about the increasing availability of drugs in society, the link between drug-taking and the spread of HIV in society, and the ways in which substance misuse generates more violence within society. Both excessive alcohol consumption and drug-taking may dispose an individual to antisocial actions and lead to criminal activities. By examining the underlying biological and psychological nature of these behaviours the book is intended to inform its readers of current advances in a number of relevant disciplines and to demonstrate some of the problems in collecting and interpreting information from particular groups. 2







Environmental Neurotoxicology


Book Description

Scientists agree that exposure to toxic agents in the environment can cause neurological and psychiatric illnesses ranging from headaches and depression to syndromes resembling parkinsonism. It can even result in death at high exposure levels. The emergence of subclinical neurotoxicity-the concept that long-term impairments can escape clinical detection-makes the need for risk assessment even more critical. This volume paves the way toward definitive solutions, presenting the current consensus on risk assessment and environmental toxicants and offering specific recommendations. The book covers: The biologic basis of neurotoxicity. Progress in the application of biologic markers. Reviews of a wide range of in vitro and in vivo testing techniques. The use of surveillance and epidemiology to identify neurotoxic hazards that escape premarket screening. Research needs. This volume will be an important resource for policymakers, health specialists, researchers, and students.




Behavioral Measures of Neurotoxicity


Book Description

Exposure to toxic chemicalsâ€"in the workplace and at homeâ€"is increasing every day. Human behavior can be affected by such exposure and can give important clues that a person or population is in danger. If we can understand the mechanisms of these changes, we can develop better ways of testing for toxic chemical exposure and, most important, better prevention programs. This volume explores the emerging field of neurobehavioral toxicology and the potential of behavior studies as a noninvasive and economical means for risk assessment and monitoring. Pioneers in this field explore its promise for detecting environmental toxins, protecting us from exposure, and treating those who are exposed.




Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse Volume 1


Book Description

Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse, Volume One: Foundations of Understanding, Tobacco, Alcohol, Cannabinoids, Opioids and Emerging Addictions provides the latest research in an area that shows that the neuropathological features of one addiction are often applicable to those of others. The book also details how a further understanding of these commonalties can provide a platform for the study of specific addictions in greater depth, all in an effort to create new modes of understanding, causation, prevention, and treatment. The three volumes in this series address new research and challenges, offering comprehensive coverage on the adverse consequences of the most common drugs of abuse, with each volume serving to update the reader's knowledge on the broader field of addiction, while also deepening our understanding of specific addictive substances. Volume One addresses tobacco, alcohol, cannabinoids, and opioids, with each section providing data on the general, molecular/cellular, and structural/functional neurological aspects of a given substance, along with a focus on the adverse consequences of addictions. - Provides a modern approach on the pathology of substances of abuse, offering an evidence based ethos for understanding the neurology of addictions - Fills an existing gap in the literature by proving a one-stop-shopping synopsis of everything to do with the neuropathology of drugs of addiction and substance misuse - Includes a list of abbreviations, abstracts, applications to other addictions and substance misuse, mini-dictionary of terms, summary points, 6+ figures and tables, and full references in each chapter - Offers coverage of preclinical, clinical, and population studies, from the cell to whole organs, and the genome to whole body