Neurotrophic Factors

This volume clearly synthesizes current information on defined neurotrophic factors, emphasizing their localization and molecular/cellular function in the central nervous system. Brain development and aging, neurodegenerative disorders, plasticity, and memory all are closely examined within the context of this rapidly expanding field. Researchers in neurobiology, cell biology, and molecular biology will find Neurotrophic Factors an invaluable reference for their research libraries. Offers the most up-do-date synthesis of concepts on neurotrophic factors in the nervous system Integrates molecular, cellular, and neuroanatomical concepts of neurotrophic factor function Includes special chapters on primary, secondary, and tertiary messenger systems Examines brain development, differentiation, neurodegenerative disorders, and adult plasticity

With contributions of numerous experts.

Life and Death in the Nervous System

Nervous system development evolves from the well-orchestrated processes of neural induction, cell proliferation, differentiation, cell migration, survival, and synapse formation. Among these environmental cues, neurotrophic factors are secreted proteins that promote neurite outgrowth, neuronal cell differentiation and survival both in vivo and in vitro. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the founding and best characterized member of the neurotrophin family of neurotrophic polypeptides. Neurotrophic Factors: Methods and Protocols presents a selection of protocols and procedures which make use of cellular, tissue, and whole animal models which can be applied to the investigation of neurotrophic factors and other agents impacting on these systems. Chapters cover a wide-range of topics such as dealing with the culture of neurons and glia from the central and peripheral nervous systems, neuron-glia co-culture models, and cell-based assays for the evaluation of neuroprotective molecules, as well as assays which can be applied to the study of agents with neuroregenerative potential. Protocols describing viral- and nanoparticle-based delivery methods to neural cells are also presented, following by chapters dealing with organotypic slice culture protocols. Lastly, several chapters are dedicated to in vivo lesion models of relevance to nervous system pathology, which can be applied to the investigation of neurotrophic factors and peptides. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Neurotrophic Factors: Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices alike with its well-honed methodologies in an effort to further our knowledge of what has been described as the last frontier of science.

Epidemiological studies, modern clinical, neuroimaging, neuropsychological, molecular biological, and genetic studies have considerably enhanced our knowledge about ageing processes of the human brain, its sequelae, diagnostic, and therapeutic possibilities and limits. In addition to Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative dementias, the impact of cerebrovascular lesions and their risk factors in the pathogenesis of cognitive disorders of the aged are increasingly acknowledged, and the recognition of mild cognitive impairment as a frequent initial stage of developing dementia is becoming an increasingly important diagnostic and therapeutic problem. The included papers were presented at the 7th International Symposium in Graz, Sept. 2001 and give a timely overview of the current and future concepts of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of pathological brain ageing and dementias, early recognition of mild cognitive impairment and future possiblities of prevention of dementing processes.

This second edition of CNS Regeneration updates the burgeoning field of regeneration in the Central Nervous System (CNS) from molecular, systems, and disease-based perspective. While the book covers numerous areas in detail, special emphasis is given to discussions of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and spinal cord injury. Incorporates information gained from cutting-edge photomicroscopy techniques Includes current information on clinical trials Presents chapters on stem cells and other novel treatments for diseases of the CNS

One of the Most Rapidly Advancing Fields in Modern Neuroscience The success of molecular biology and the new tools derived from molecular genetics have revolutionized pain research and its translation to therapeutic effectiveness. Bringing together recent advances in modern neuroscience regarding genetic studies in mice and humans and the practical