Oligodendrocyte Physiology and Pathology Function


Book Description

The adult vertebrate central nervous system mainly consists of neurons, astrocytes, microglia cells, and oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the CNS, are subjected to cell stress and subsequent death in a number of metabolic or inflammatory disorders, among which multiple sclerosis (MS) is included. This disease is associated with the development of large demyelinated plaques, oligodendrocyte destruction, and axonal degeneration, paralleled by the activation of astrocytes and microglia as well as the recruitment of peripheral immune cells to the site of tissue injury. Of note, viable oligodendrocytes and an intact myelin sheath are indispensable for neuronal health. For example, it has been shown that oligodendrocytes provide nutritional support to neurons, fast axonal transport depends on proper oligodendrocyte function, and mice deficient in mature myelin proteins eventually display severe neurodegeneration. This Special Issue contains a collection of highly relevant primary research articles as well as review articles focusing on the development, physiology, and pathology of the oligodendrocyte–axon–myelin unit.




Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis


Book Description

Written by world-renowned scientists, the volume provides a state-of-the-art on the most recent MRI techniques related to MS, and it is an indispensable tool for all those working in this field. The context in which this book exists is that there is an increasing perception that modern MR methodologies should be more extensively employed in clinical trials to derive innovative information.




The Biology of Oligodendrocytes


Book Description

Traditionally, oligodendrocytes have been assumed to play a minor supporting role in the central nervous system and their importance has generally been overlooked. For the first time, this book provides a dedicated review of all of the major aspects of oligodendrocyte biology, including development, organization, genetics, and immunobiology. Later chapters emphasize the importance of this underestimated cell to the mammalian central nervous system by exploring the role of myelin synthesis and maintenance in neural disease and repair. Particular attention is paid to multiple sclerosis (MS), arguably the prime example of an acquired demyelinating disease, with detailed examinations of the current concepts regarding demyelination, oligodendroglial damage, and remyelination in MS lesions.




Glial Neurobiology


Book Description

"This volume is a very valuable and much needed contribution." –Quarterly Review of Biology AT LAST - A comprehensive, accessible textbook on glial neurobiology! Glial cells are the most numerous cells in the human brain but for many years have attracted little scientific attention. Neurophysiologists concentrated their research efforts instead, on neurones and neuronal networks because it was thought that they were the key elements responsible for higher brain function. Recent advances, however, indicate this isn’t exactly the case. Not only are astroglial cells the stem elements from which neurones are born, but they also control the development, functional activity and death of neuronal circuits. These ground-breaking developments have revolutionized our understanding of the human brain and the complex interrelationship of glial and neuronal networks in health and disease. Features of this book: an accessible introduction to glial neurobiology including an overview of glial cell function and its active role in neural processes, brain function and nervous system pathology an exploration of all the major types of glial cells including: the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia of the ACNS and Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system; the book also presents a broad overview of glial receptors and ion channels an investigation into the role of glial cells in various types of brain diseases including stroke, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Alexander's disease, brain oedema, multiple sclerosis and many more a wealth of illustrations, including unique images from the authors' own libraries of images, describing the main features of glial cells Written by two leading experts in the field, Glial Neurobiology provides a concise, authoritative introduction to glial physiology and pathology for undergraduate/postgraduate neuroscience, biomedical, medical, pharmacy, pharmacology, and neurology, neurosurgery and physiology students. It is also an invaluable resource for researchers in neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology and pharmaceutics.




Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology


Book Description

Organized by functional neurologic system, the 3rd edition of this authoritative reference provides the most up-to-date information on neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, and clinical neurology as it applies to small animals, horses, and food animals. Accurate diagnosis is emphasized throughout with practical guidelines for performing neurologic examinations, interpreting examination results, and formulating effective treatment plans. In-depth disease descriptions, color images, and video clips reinforce important concepts and assist with diagnosis and treatment. Expert authors bring more than 50 years of experience in veterinary neuroanatomy and clinical neurology to this book - Dr. Alexander DeLahunta and Dr. Eric Glass offer their unique insights from both academic and practitioner perspectives. Disease content is presented in a logical case study format with three distinct parts: Description of the disorder Neuroanatomic diagnosis (including how it was determined, the differential diagnosis, and any available ancillary data) Course of the disease (providing final clinical or necropsy diagnosis and a brief discussion of the syndrome) More than 600 full-color photographs and line drawings, plus approximately 150 high-quality radiographs, visually reinforce key concepts and assist in reaching accurate diagnoses. The book comes with free access to 370 video clips on Cornell University's website that directly correlate to the case studies throughout the book and clearly demonstrate nearly every recognized neurologic disorder. High-quality MR images of the brain are presented alongside correlating stained transverse sections for in-depth study and comparison. Vivid photos of gross and microscopic lesions clearly illustrate the pathology of many of the disorders presented in the book.




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


Book Description

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.




Oligodendrocytes


Book Description

This volume looks at the study of oligodendrocytes through in vitro and in vivo techniques, multiple model organisms, using approaches that bridge scales from molecular through system. Chapters in this book cover topics such as fundamental molecular analyses of oligodendrocytes and myelin; in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo molecular-cellular-electrophysiology-based techniques; oligodendrocyte formation, homeostasis, and disruption in zebrafish and Xenopus; and parallel system-level imaging of animal and human models. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and thorough, Oligodendrocytes: Methods and Protocols is a valuable reference guide that highlights the expansive and fast-paced nature of research into oligodendrocyte biology underlying health and function.




Molecular Nutrition and Diabetes


Book Description

Molecular Nutrition and Diabetes: A Volume in the Molecular Nutrition Series focuses on diabetes as a nutritional problem and its important metabolic consequences. Fuel metabolism and dietary supply all influence the outcome of diabetes, but understanding the pathogenesis of the diabetic process is a prelude to better nutritional control. Part One of the book provides general coverage of nutrition and diabetes in terms of dietary patterns, insulin resistance, and the glucose-insulin axis, while Part Two presents the molecular biology of diabetes and focuses on areas such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, insulin resistance, high-fat diets, nutriceuticals, and lipid accumulation. Final sections explore the genetic machinery behind diabetes and diabetic metabolism, including signaling pathways, gene expression, genome-wide association studies, and specific gene expression. While the main focus of each chapter is the basic and clinical research on diabetes as a nutritional problem, all chapters also end with a translational section on the implications for the nutritional control of diabetes. - Offers updated information and a perspective on important future developments to different professionals involved in the basic and clinical research on all major nutritional aspects of diabetes mellitus - Explores how nutritional factors are involved in the pathogenesis of both type1 and type2 diabetes and their complications - Investigates the molecular and genetic bases of diabetes and diabetic metabolism through the lens of a rapidly evolving field of molecular nutrition




Mayo Clinic Medical Neurosciences


Book Description

Fully updated and revised according to student feedback, the sixth edition of Mayo Clinic Medical Neurosciences: Organized by Neurologic System and Level provides a systematic approach to anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system inspired by the neurologist's approach to solving clinical problems. This volume has 4 sections: 1) an overview of the neurosciences necessary for understanding anatomical localization and pathophysiologic characterization of neurologic disorders; 2) an approach to localizing lesions in the 7 longitudinal systems of the nervous system; 3) an approach to localizing lesions in the 4 horizontal levels of the nervous system; and 4) a collection of clinical problems. This book provides the neuroscience framework to support the neurologist in a clinical setting and is also a great resource for neurology and psychiatry board certifications. This is the perfect guide for all medical students and neurology, psychiatry, and physical medicine residents at early stages of training. New to This Edition - A chapter devoted to multiple-choice questions for self-assessment - Discussion of emerging concepts in molecular, cellular, and system neurosciences - New chapters on emotion and consciousness systems - Incorporation of new discoveries in neuroimaging and an appendix for tables of medications commonly used to treat neurologic disorders