Tachykinins


Book Description

The tachykinins represent one of the most thoroughly investigated family of neuropeptides, whose members and receptors have been characterized at the genetic and molecular level and whose pharmacology has now been advanced to the first clinical application. These exciting accomplishments and prospects are reviewed and discussed in this volume in an authoritative manner. Particular emphasis is laid on the development of selective non-peptide antagonists for all 3 tachykinin receptors and their potential as novel drugs in a variety of diseases. The approval of the first tachykinin receptor antagonist as an antiemetic drug is particularly highlighted, and the utility of tachykinin receptor antagonists in affective disorders, chronic obstructive airway disease and irritable bowel syndrome, to name a few indications, is extensively considered.




The Human Nervous System


Book Description

The previous two editions of the Human Nervous System have been the standard reference for the anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous system of the human. The work has attracted nearly 2,000 citations, demonstrating that it has a major influence in the field of neuroscience. The 3e is a complete and updated revision, with new chapters covering genes and anatomy, gene expression studies, and glia cells. The book continues to be an excellent companion to the Atlas of the Human Brain, and a common nomenclature throughout the book is enforced. Physiological data, functional concepts, and correlates to the neuroanatomy of the major model systems (rat and mouse) as well as brain function round out the new edition. - Adopts standard nomenclature following the new scheme by Paxinos, Watson, and Puelles and aligned with the Mai et al. Atlas of the Human Brain (new edition in 2007) - Full color throughout with many new and significantly enhanced illustrations - Provides essential reference information for users in conjunction with brain atlases for the identification of brain structures, the connectivity between different areas, and to evaluate data collected in anatomical, physiological, pharmacological, behavioral, and imaging studies




Neuropeptides


Book Description

This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. In recent years there has been increasing interest and, subsequently, active research in neuropeptides. These neuroactive molecules coordinate, integrate, and regulate physiological processes in all organisms, throughout all phases of development. Acting as neurohormones, neurotransmitters, and/or neuromodulators, they maintain physiological homeostasis and influence important behavioral patterns. This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. The book is divided into two parts. In Part I the author defines the basic principles of neuropeptide action, including their biosynthesis, processing, transport, distribution, and interactions with receptors and second messenger systems. Strand also discusses the intimate interaction between the neuropeptides, stress, and the immune system. In Part II she discusses the regulatory functions of the families of neuropeptide in sufficient detail to provide both the advanced student and senior investigator with a thorough understanding of the most important neuropeptides. The text also contains a complete and up-to-date reference/reading list.




Acute Pain Management


Book Description

This textbook provides an overview of pain management useful to specialists as well as non-specialists, surgeons, and nursing staff.




Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology


Book Description

This book addresses important issues regarding the interaction between the nervous system, the immune system, and the digestive system. Gut flora has a profound influence on the shaping of the immune response, not only in the gastrointestinal system but also in the nervous system. Fascinatingly, manipulation of intestinal immune responses can be used to modulate neurological disease. Conversely, the nervous system and the psyche have significant effects on the functioning of the gut and liver. After introductory chapters on the neurology, the immunology and microbiology of the gut, the effects of the gut immune system and gut flora and its manipulation on neurological disease are discussed, followed by molecular mimicry and immune tolerance in neuroimmune diseases. Additionally, several chapters deal with gastrointestinal manifestations of neurological diseases. Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology is aimed at neurologists, gastroenterologists, and immunologists.




Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Cough


Book Description

The last decade or so has seen remarkable advances in our knowledge of cough. This applies especially to its basic mechanisms: the types of airway sensors, the phar- cological receptors on their membranes, the brainstem organization of the ‘cough centre’, and the involvement of the cerebral cortex in the sensations and the vol- tary control of cough. With the exception of the last of these, nearly all the studies have been on experimental animals rather than humans, for obvious reasons. One group of experimental studies has particular relevance to human patients, and that is the demonstration of the sensitization of cough pathways both in the periphery and in the brainstem. Similar sensitizations have been shown for patients with chronic cough or who have been exposed to pollutants, and it is reasonable to suppose that this is the basis of their cough and that the underlying mechanisms are generally similar in humans and other species. Important advances are also being made in clinical cough research. For the three main causes of clinical cough, asthma, post-nasal drip syndrome, and gast- oesophageal re?ux disease, we are beginning to understand the pathological processes involved. There remains a diagnostically obdurate group of idiopathic chronic coughers, but even for them approaches are being devised to clarify und- lying mechanisms and to establish diagnoses. Perhaps surprisingly, the ?eld in which there has been the least spectacular - vance is the therapy of cough.







The Essence of Analgesia and Analgesics


Book Description

The Essence of Analgesia and Analgesics is an invaluable practical resource for clinicians giving pain relief in any clinical setting, describing the pharmacologic principles and clinical use of all available pain medications. As well as detailed overviews of pain processing and analgesic theory, sections are dedicated to oral and panteral opioid analgesics, neuraxial opioids, NSAIDs, local anesthetics, anticonvulsant type analgesics, NMDA antagonists, alpha adrenergic analgesics, antidepressant analgesics, muscle relaxants, adjuvant medications, and new and emerging analgesics. The concise format of the chapters allows for quick and easy reading and assimilation of information. Enhanced by summary tables and figures, each chapter provides an overview of a particular drug, covering chemical structure, mode of activity, indications, contraindications, common doses and uses, advantages and disadvantages, and drug related adverse events. Key references are also provided. Edited by leading experts in pain management, this is essential reading for any clinician involved in pain management.




Basic Physiology for Anaesthetists


Book Description

Easily understood, up-to-date and clinically relevant, this book provides junior anaesthetists with an essential physiology resource.




Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology


Book Description

"The Handbook is intended to be a service to the neuroscience community, to help in finding available and useful information, to point out gaps in our knowledge, and to encourage continued studies. It represents the valuable contributions of the many authors of the chapters and the guidance of the editors and most important, it represents support for research in this discipline. Based on the rapid advances in the years since the second edition."--Publisher's website.