Molecular and Cellular Biology of Neuroprotection in the CNS

Given the very limited capacity of regeneration in the brain, protecting neurons that are on the brink of death is a major challenge for basic and clinical neuroscience, with implications for a broad spectrum of acute and chronic neurological and psychiatric diseases. This book brings together leading experts from neurobiology, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, neuroimmunology and clinical neuroscience to highlight the most recent milestones in this rapidly evolving field. The book will serve as a reference for both basic neuroscientists and clinicians interested in an authoritative update on the molecular and cellular biology of neuroprotection and its promises for new therapeutic strategies. Univ. Of Kiel, Germany. Text Provides An Overview Of The Recent Developments In Neuroprotective Signaling And Experimental Neuroprotection. Also Offers A Detailed Look At Many Of The Highly Intertwined Processes That Determine The Fate Of Cns Neurons In The Face Of Acute Or Chronic Insults. I. Neuronal Cell Death : Overview Of Basic Mechanisms -- 1. Excitatory Amino Acid Neurotoxicity / T. Gillessen ... [et Al.] -- 2. Neuronal Survival And Cell Death Signaling Pathways / R.s. Morrison ... [et Al.] -- 3. Detrimental And Beneficial Effects Of Injury-induced Inflammation And Cytokine Expression In The Nervous System / G. Stoll -- 4. Cellular And Molecular Determinants Of Glial Scar Formation / A. Logan, M. Berry -- Ii. Ion Channels, Receptors And Signaling Pathways -- 5. Na+ Channels And Ca2+ Channels Of The Cell Membrane As Targets Of Neuroprotective Substances / C. Alzheimer -- 6. Intracellular Ca2+ Handling / R.j. Sayer -- 7. Neuroprotective Activity Of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Ligands / P.j. Flor ... [et Al.] -- 8. A Role For Glutamate Transporters In Neurodegenerative Diseases / D. Trotti -- 9. Purines And Neuroprotection / T.w. Stone -- 10. Heat Shock Proteins And Neuroprotection / M.a. Yenari -- Iii. Neurotrophic Factors As Neuroprotective Agents -- 11. Neurotrophins / G. Dechantl, H. Neumann -- 12. Fibroblast Growth Factors And Neuroprotection / C. Alzheimer, S. Werner -- 13. Tgf-betas And Their Roles In The Regulation Of Neuron Survival / K. Unsicker, K. Krieglstein -- 14. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / H.h. Marti -- Iv. Advances In Drug Delivery To Cns Neurons -- 15. Blood-brain Barrier Drug Targeting Enables Neuroprotection In Brain Ischemia Following Delayed Intravenous Administration Of Neurotrophins / W.m. Pardridge -- 16. Invasive Drug Delivery / U. Blomer ... [et Al.] -- V. Neuroprotective Strategies In Animal And In Vitro Models Of Neuronal Damage -- 17. Ischemia And Stroke / M. Endres, U. Dirnagl -- 18. Neuroprotective Strategies In Alzheimer's Disease / C. Behl. Edited By Christian Alzheimer. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Neuronal cell death Overview of basic mechanisms Excitatory amino acid neurotoxicity Neuronal survival and cell death signaling pathways Detrimental and beneficial effects of injury-induced inflammation and cytokine expression in the nervous system Cellular and molecular determinants of glial scar formation Ion channels, receptors and signaling pathways N+a channels and C2+a channels of the cell membrane as targets Intercellular C2+a handling Neuroprotective activity of metabotropic glutamate receptors ligands A role for glutamate transporters in neurodegenerative diseases Purines and neuroprotection Heat shock proteins and neuroprotection Neurotrophic factors as neuroprotective agents Neurotrophins Fibroblast growth factors and neuroprotection TGF-βS and their roles in the regulation of neuron survival Vascular endothelial growth factor Advances in drug delivery to CNS neurons Blood-brain barrier drug targeting enables neuroprotection in brain ischemia following delayed intravenous administration of neurotrophins Invasive drug delivery Neuroprotective strategies in animal and in vitro models of neuronal damage Ischemia and stroke Neuroprotective strategies in Alzheimer's disease. This book traces events from initial central nervous system damage to loss of neurons, and considers the role of neuroprotective signaling. Coverage includes the biological processes determining neuronal death or survival, and recent developments in experimental neruoprotection are described. Written from a research (rather than clinical) perspective, it is nevertheless intended to serve as a reference for both neuroscientists and clinicians. The contributors are doctors from Europe, the United States, and New Zealand. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) The excitatory potency of the acidic amino acids glutamate and aspartate in various regions of the central nervous system (CNS) has been recognized since the 1960 s.