Pharmacology Of Neurotransmitter Release

It has been known for half a century that neurotransmitters are released in preformed quanta, that the quanta represent transmitter-storing vesicles, and that release occurs by exocytosis. The focus of this book is twofold. In the first part, the molecular events of exocytosis are analysed. In the second part of the book, the presynaptic receptors for endogenous chemical signals are presented that make neurotransmitter release a highly regulated process.

A uniquely comprehensive and integrated account of neurotransmitter modulation. Suitable for neuroscientists and non-specialists alike.

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie brain activity and function remains one of the major frontiers of biology. All the processes of how we co-ordinate our movements, sense our surroundings, react to stimuli and learn and retain information rely on complicated networks of neurons thatcommunicate with each other and their targets. This fast and accurate intercellular signalling most occurs at synapses, specialized processes of neurons that release chemical signals, called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters: Frontiers in Molecular Biology will provide the reader withextensive background information on neurotransmitter release. It takes a multidisciplinary approach, but does not assume previous knowledge having basic introductions to most topics. Topics however are covered in enough detail to be of interest to experts in the field. Throughout, emphasis is placedon the rationale by which proteins are assigned specific functions rather than just providing facts about function. The first chapter provides an introduction to the basic features and properties of the synapse and is followed by a chapter detailing several important techniques used to elucidatevarious aspects of release. Chapters 3 describes many of the biochemical approaches used to identify proteins involved in neurotransmitter release and then chapters 4 and 5 focus on more specific aspects of synaptic transmission: the proteins that transport neurotransmitters and the role ofphosphlipids in the process. The next five chapters concentrate on approaches to unravel the function of many proteins in vivo by using toxins, giant squid axons, C. elegans, Drosophila, and mice. The final chapter summarizes current knowledge on endocytosis and recycling. Knowledge of themolecular mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter release has expanded tremendously over the last 10 years. Many of the proteins involved have been isolated, but their roles have yet to be determined. These discoveries will be a major challenge and it is therefore the major aim of this book not onlyto provide information but also to generate excitement.

Neurotransmitters, Drugs and Brain Function aims to link basic aspects of the activity of neurotransmitters at the receptor and synaptic level with their role in normal brain function, disease states, and drug action. Thus, the material considers to what extent our knowledge of the central synaptic action of certain drugs can explain their possible roles in the cause of diseases and in the modes of action of drugs effective in those conditions. It offers a working explanation of drug and neurotransmitter action in CNS function, with a clear, comprehensive, and challenging style of writing. The authors review the chemical basis for drugs and the conditions they treat. It also, includes numerous illustrations and schematic diagrams.

Advances in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Volume 2: Neurotransmitters contains the proceedings of the 7th International Congress of Pharmacology held in Paris, France, in 1978. The papers explore advances in the understanding of neurotransmitters, their pharmacology, and their therapeutic applications. Topics covered range from the functions of GABA to the interdependence of neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system (CNS). This volume is comprised of 24 chapters and opens with a discussion on the role of GABA systems in Huntington's disease and schizophrenia. The reader is then introduced to the stereospecific actions of GABA analogues; interactions between serotonin and noradrenalin containing neurons; immunofluorescent staining of serotonin in the CNS; and plasticity of transmitter functions in sympathetic neurons developing in cell culture. The following chapters explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla; pre-and postsynaptic regulation of catecholamine neurotransmitters; the role of GABA-ergic component in the mechanism of action of neurotropic drugs; and pre-and postsynaptic action of GABA in the mammalian spinal cord. This book will be of interest to practitioners in biosciences, pharmacology, physiology, and medicine.

Neurotransmitters, Drugs and Brain Function aims to link basic aspects of the activity of neurotransmitters at the receptor and synaptic level with their role in normal brain function, disease states, and drug action. Thus, the material considers to what extent our knowledge of the central synaptic action of certain drugs can explain their possible roles in the cause of diseases and in the modes of action of drugs effective in those conditions. It offers a working explanation of drug and neurotransmitter action in CNS function, with a clear, comprehensive, and challenging style of writing. The authors review the chemical basis for drugs and the conditions they treat. It also, includes numerous illustrations and schematic diagrams.

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.

Advances in Pharmacology and Therapeutics II, Volume 2: Neurotransmitters-Receptors is the second of a six-volume compilation of the scientific papers of invited speakers of the Eighth International Congress of Pharmacology. Organized into seven parts, this book begins with an invited lecture on the kinetic analysis of the neuronal and extraneuronal uptake and metabolism of catecholamines. Subsequent parts discuss the regulation of receptor-mediated events; presynaptic receptors in the peripheral and central nervous system; neurotransmitters; and receptor antibodies. The isolated nervous systems in the research of neurotransmission and trophic interactions between nerve and muscle are also discussed.