The Retina A Model For Cell Biology Studies Part 2

The Retina: A Model for Cell Biology Studies, Part II, is the second of a two-part series that details developments in the study of retinal cell biology. The book begins with a review of the current evidence for the role of putative neurotransmitters at particular synapses in the retina. It then discusses pre- and postsynaptic regulatory mechanisms; the interactions of neurotransmitter-neuromodulatory systems; and cellular effects of putative neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. This is followed by an introduction to vision psychophysics, showing its application in studying the functioning of cells in the retina. The remaining chapters discuss how the retinal pigment epithelium cell might be used as a model for studying biological problems of current interest; extracellular matrix molecules; concepts and controversies regarding the biology of endothelial cells, the key elements in the phenomenon of intraocular neovascularization; the use of genetic mutations and genetic mosaics for the study of the retina; and the retina as a regenerating organ.

The Retina: A Model for Cell Biology Studies, Part I, is the first of a two-part series that details developments in the study of retinal cell biology. The book begins with some basic information about retinal structure and development followed by a discussion of the advantages of the retina as a model system for cell biology studies. It reviews some of the major events in the maturation of the retina pertinent to the assembly of neuronal circuits. The book describes studies of neuronal assembly in order to demonstrate that adhesion-based neuronal assembly may be the most elaborated example of a wider class of morphogenetic phenomena categorized as ""adhesion-guided multicellular assembly"" systems. The remaining chapters discuss in vivo and in vitro studies on trophic interactions in retinal development and in retinal degenerations; cell motility in the retina; molecular properties of vertebrate rod cells; the role of cyclic nucleotides in the metabolism and function of the retina; and the cellular and molecular aspects of photosensitive membrane turnover.

This important book presents review articles on the cell biology of photoreceptor and RPE cells, as well as the relationship between this cell biology and inherited photoreceptor degeneration. The chapters have been written by leaders in the field. The vision scientist will see this book as a review of photoreceptor and RPE cell biology, and known molecular bases of many forms of retinitis pigmentosa and related retinal degeneration. For the cell biologist, there are articles on topics such as protein targeting, molecular motors, and phagocytosis placed in the functional context of two of the most specialized cells in the body.This book has been selected for coverage in: ? CC / Clinical Medicine? Neuroscience Citation Index?? Index to Scientific Book Contents? (ISBC

This advanced text, first published in 2006, takes a developmental approach to the presentation of our understanding of how vertebrates construct a retina. Written by experts in the field, each of the seventeen chapters covers a specific step in the process, focusing on the underlying molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms. There is also a special section on emerging technologies, including genomics, zebrafish genetics, and stem cell biology that are starting to yield important insights into retinal development. Primarily aimed at professionals, both biologists and clinicians working with the retina, this book provides a concise view of vertebrate retinal development. Since the retina is 'an approachable part of the brain', this book will also be attractive to all neuroscientists interested in development, as processes required to build this exquisitely organized system are ultimately relevant to all other parts of the central nervous system.

This book deals with the cellular biology, biochemistry and physiology of photoreceptors and their interactions with the second-order neurons, bipolar and horizontal cells. The focus is upon the contributions made by these neurons to vision. Thus the basic neurobiology of the outer retina is related to the visual process, and visual defects that could arise from abnormalities in this part of the retina are highlighted in the first 16 chapters. Since all vertebrate retinas have the same basic structure and physiological plan, examples are given from a variety of species, with an emphasis upon mammals, extending to human vision. The last four chapters approach the problem from the other end. This part of the book covers a range of clinical conditions involving visual abnormalities that are due to cellular defects in the outer retina. Although the contents of this book do not represent the proceedings of a conference, the concept arose at an international symposium on 'Recent Advances in Retinal Research' which was held at the International Marine Centre in Oristano, Sardinia. We hope that the book will give a coherent, up to date review of the neurobiology and clinical aspects of the outer retina and encourage further integration of these areas. Retinal neurobiology has been an intense field of investigation for several decades. More recently, it has seen significant advances with the application of modern techniques of cell and molecular biology.

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