Recent Progress and Perspectives in Neurosteroid Research

Recent Progress and Perspectives in Neurosteroid Research PDF Author: Hubert Vaudry
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889766276
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 191

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Book Description

Recent Progress and Perspectives in Neurosteroid Research

Recent Progress and Perspectives in Neurosteroid Research PDF Author: Hubert Vaudry
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889766276
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 191

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Book Description


Extrasynaptic GABAA Receptors

Extrasynaptic GABAA Receptors PDF Author: Adam C. Errington
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 149391426X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 301

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Book Description
GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS and acts via GABAA and GABAB receptors. Recently, a novel form of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition, termed “tonic” inhibition, has been described. Whereas synaptic GABAA receptors underlie classical “phasic” GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition (inhibitory postsynaptic currents), tonic GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition results from the activation of extrasynaptic receptors by low concentrations of ambient GABA. Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors are composed of receptor subunits that convey biophysical properties ideally suited to the generation of persistent inhibition and are pharmacologically and functionally distinct from their synaptic counterparts. This book highlights ongoing work examining the properties of recombinant and native extrasynaptic GABAA receptors and their preferential targeting by endogenous and clinically relevant agents. In addition, it emphasizes the important role of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in GABAergic inhibition throughout the CNS and identifies them as a major player in both physiological and pathophysiological processes.

New Perspectives in Neurosteroids action: a Special Player Allopregnanolone

New Perspectives in Neurosteroids action: a Special Player Allopregnanolone PDF Author: Valerio Magnaghi
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889195554
Category : Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Languages : en
Pages : 88

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Book Description
Early in the 80’s date the first observations on the existence of hormonal steroids that may be synthesized and act in the nervous system. In order to refer to these endogenous steroids, proved important to control both central and peripheral nervous system, it was proposed the term “neurosteroids” (NSs). Over the years, their importance in regulating the physiological functions of neuronal and glial cells increased progressively. These steroids can be involved in several pathophysiological conditions such as depression, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), schizophrenia and Alzheimer disease. Among the different classes of NSs, the progestagens revealed particularly important. The progesterone metabolite 5a-pregnan-3a-ol-20-one, also named tetrahydroprogesterone or allopregnanolone (ALLO) was one of the first most important steroid that was originally shown to act as neurosteroid. ALLO is synthesized through the action of the 5aR-3a-HSD, which converts P into DHP and subsequently, via a bidirectional reaction, into ALLO. NSs exert complex effects in the nervous system through ‘classic’, genomic, and ‘non-classic’, non-genomic actions. ALLO displays a rapid ‘non-genomic’ effect, which mainly involves the potent modulation of the GABA type A (GABA-A) receptor function. Recently a membrane receptor has been identified as target for ALLO effects, i.e. the membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs) that are able to activate a signalling cascade through G protein dependent mechanisms. By these ways, ALLO is able to modulate several cell functions, acting as neurogenic molecule on neural progenitor cells, as well as by activating proliferation and differentiation of glial cells in the central and peripheral nervous system. In this topic, we review the most recent acquisitions in the field of neurosteroids, focusing our attention on ALLO because its effects on the physiology of neurons and glial cells of the central and peripheral nervous system are intriguing and could potentially lead to the development of new strategies for neuroprotection and/or regeneration of injured nervous tissues and for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

New Antiepileptic Drugs

New Antiepileptic Drugs PDF Author: Francesco Pisani
Publisher: Elsevier Publishing Company
ISBN:
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description
The pharmacological fight against epilepsy began many centuries ago when Hippocrates discovered that the cause of epilepsy is natural, as opposed to supernatural and, as a consequence, must be treated with a natural remedy. Even though science has significantly progressed since that era, the challenge to find remedies for epilepsy is ever present. The aim of this particular volume is to offer an up-to-date review of the most recent advances in antiepileptic drug development, considered from various viewpoints: (i) general, by taking into account the size of refractory epilepsy and its related problems; (ii) experimental, by exploring the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and the possiblility of influencing it through drugs, and (iii) clinical, by describing the results obtained with compounds currently at an advanced stage of testing.

Neurosteroids and Brain Function

Neurosteroids and Brain Function PDF Author: Giovanni Biggio
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 9780123668462
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 546

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Book Description
International Review of Neurobiology, Volume 46 presents in-depth reviews on such ground-breaking topics as assembly and intracellular trafficking of GABA A receptors, D-1 dopamine receptors, and Alzheimer's disease. This series offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available and is a must for anyone in the field. Includes a historical overview of neurosteroid research Contains a chapter on neurosteroid biosynthesis and regulation Presents current methods of neurosteroid measurement and analysis Discusses neurosteroid function in both the normal and the pathological brain Chapters address the function of neurosteroid in: Stress, Receptor plasticity and function, Learning and Memory, Alcohol use, Depression

Neurobiology of Chemical Communication

Neurobiology of Chemical Communication PDF Author: Carla Mucignat-Caretta
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1466553413
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 614

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Book Description
Intraspecific communication involves the activation of chemoreceptors and subsequent activation of different central areas that coordinate the responses of the entire organism—ranging from behavioral modification to modulation of hormones release. Animals emit intraspecific chemical signals, often referred to as pheromones, to advertise their presence to members of the same species and to regulate interactions aimed at establishing and regulating social and reproductive bonds. In the last two decades, scientists have developed a greater understanding of the neural processing of these chemical signals. Neurobiology of Chemical Communication explores the role of the chemical senses in mediating intraspecific communication. Providing an up-to-date outline of the most recent advances in the field, it presents data from laboratory and wild species, ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates, from insects to humans. The book examines the structure, anatomy, electrophysiology, and molecular biology of pheromones. It discusses how chemical signals work on different mammalian and non-mammalian species and includes chapters on insects, Drosophila, honey bees, amphibians, mice, tigers, and cattle. It also explores the controversial topic of human pheromones. An essential reference for students and researchers in the field of pheromones, this is also an ideal resource for those working on behavioral phenotyping of animal models and persons interested in the biology/ecology of wild and domestic species.

Encyclopedia of Basic Epilepsy Research

Encyclopedia of Basic Epilepsy Research PDF Author:
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0123739616
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 1853

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Book Description
As a truly translational area of biomedical investigation, epilepsy research spans an extraordinary breadth of subjects and involves virtually every tool that modern neuroscience has at its disposal. The Encyclopedia of Basic Epilepsy Research provides an up to date, comprehensive reference for all epilepsy researchers. With an expert list of authors, the encyclopedia covers the full spectrum of research activities from genes and molecules to animal models and human patients. The encyclopedia's electronic format also provides unparalleled access to frequent updates and additions, while the limited edition print version provides another option for owning this content. The Encyclopedia of Basic Epilepsy Research is an essential resource for researchers of all levels and clinicians who study epilepsy. The only comprehensive reference for basic research and current activities in epilepsy Electronic format provides fast and easy access to updates and additions, with limited print version available as well Contains over 85 articles, all written by experts in epilepsy research

Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies

Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies PDF Author: Jeffrey Noebels
Publisher: OUP USA
ISBN: 0199746540
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 1258

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Book Description
Jasper's Basic Mechanisms, Fourth Edition, is the newest most ambitious and now clinically relevant publishing project to build on the four-decade legacy of the Jasper's series. In keeping with the original goal of searching for "a better understanding of the epilepsies and rational methods of prevention and treatment.", the book represents an encyclopedic compendium neurobiological mechanisms of seizures, epileptogenesis, epilepsy genetics and comordid conditions. Of practical importance to the clinician, and new to this edition are disease mechanisms of genetic epilepsies and therapeutic approaches, ranging from novel antiepileptic drug targets to cell and gene therapies.

The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide

The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide PDF Author: Yogesh Dwivedi
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 143983881X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 485

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Book Description
With recent studies using genetic, epigenetic, and other molecular and neurochemical approaches, a new era has begun in understanding pathophysiology of suicide. Emerging evidence suggests that neurobiological factors are not only critical in providing potential risk factors but also provide a promising approach to develop more effective treatment and prevention strategies. The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide discusses the most recent findings in suicide neurobiology. Psychological, psychosocial, and cultural factors are important in determining the risk factors for suicide; however, they offer weak prediction and can be of little clinical use. Interestingly, cognitive characteristics are different among depressed suicidal and depressed nonsuicidal subjects, and could be involved in the development of suicidal behavior. The characterization of the neurobiological basis of suicide is in delineating the risk factors associated with suicide. The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide focuses on how and why these neurobiological factors are crucial in the pathogenic mechanisms of suicidal behavior and how these findings can be transformed into potential therapeutic applications.

Sensing the Environment: Regulation of Local and Global Homeostasis by the Skin's Neuroendocrine System

Sensing the Environment: Regulation of Local and Global Homeostasis by the Skin's Neuroendocrine System PDF Author: Andrzej T. Slominski
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642196837
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 128

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Book Description
The skin, the body’s largest organ, is strategically located at the interface with the external environment where it detects, integrates and responds to a diverse range of stressors, including solar radiation. It has already been established that the skin is an important peripheral neuroendocrine-immune organ that is closely networked with central regulatory systems. These capabilities contribute to the maintenance of peripheral homeostasis. Specifically, epidermal and dermal cells produce and respond to classical stress neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones, production which is stimulated by ultraviolet radiation (UVR), biological factors (infectious and non-infectious) and other physical and chemical agents. Examples of local biologically active products are cytokines, biogenic amines (catecholamines, histamine, serotonin and N-acetyl-serotonin), melatonin, acetylocholine, neuropeptides including pituitary (proopiomelanocortin-derived ACTH, b-endorphin or MSH peptides, thyroid stimulating hormone) and hypothalamic (corticotropin-releasing factor and related urocortins, thyroid-releasing hormone) hormones, as well as enkephalins and dynorphins, thyroid hormones, steroids (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones, 7-δ steroids), secosteroids, opioids and endocannabinoids. The production of these molecules is hierarchical, organized along the algorithms of classical neuroendocrine axes such as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA), hypothalamic-thyroid axis (HPT), serotoninergic, melatoninergic, catecholaminergic, cholinergic, steroid/secosteroidogenic, opioid and endocannabinoid systems. Disruptions of these axes or of communication between them may lead to skin and/or systemic diseases. These local neuroendocrine networks also serve to limit the effect of noxious environmental agents to preserve local and consequently global homeostasis. Moreover, the skin-derived factors/systems can also activate cutaneous nerve endings to alert the brain to changes in the epidermal or dermal environments, or alternatively to activate other coordinating centers by direct (spinal cord) neurotransmission without brain involvement. Furthermore, rapid and reciprocal communications between epidermal and dermal and adnexal compartments are also mediated by neurotransmission including antidromic modes of conduction. Lastly, skin cells and the skin as an organ coordinate and/or regulate not only peripheral but also global homeostasis.