Mechanisms of Drug Action on the Nervous System (Cambridge Texts in Physiological Sciences)

Drugs affecting the nerves and the brain are among the most commonly used in contemporary medicine. This study examines the mechanisms by which such substances cause their therapeutic or undesirable side-effects in relation to underlying processes and pathological phenomena. The book fills the information gap between large textbooks and highly specialized reviews and monographs. Mechanisms of drug actions are examined mainly at the cellular and subcellular levels. Molecular, neurochemical and electrophysiological approaches are used in an attempt to provide a rational study of drugs acting on the nervous system. Booknews Extensively revised from the first edition (1979). Examines the mechanisms by which drugs cause their therapeutic effects and side- effects, in relation to underlying physiological and pathological processes. A textbook for undergraduates in pre-clinical medicine, pharmacology, and natural sciences, and for postgraduates and trainees in neuroscience, psychiatry, and anaesthesisa. Paper edition (unseen), $19.95. Acidic paper. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Drugs affecting the nerves and the brain are among the most commonly used in contemporary medicine. This book examines the mechanism by which such substances cause their therapeutic effects or undesirable side-effects, in relation to underlying physiological and pathological processes. This new edition has been extensively revised and reorganised; the section on the autonomic system has been greatly expanded. Other changes reflect the significant advances in our understanding of drug action in the peripheral and central nervous systems which have arisen through the application of new electrophysiological and computer techniques. The volume summarises the explosion of information concerning endogenous opioids, other peptides, the benzodiazepines and their receptors. Later chapters deal with the activity and role of drugs in a number of disorders including epilepsy, schizophrenia and depression. This textbook is suitable for undergraduates in pre-clinical medical sciences, pharmaceutical and natural sciences; and for post-graduates and trainees in neuroscience, psychiatry and anaesthesia