Neuromodulation : The Biochemical Control Of Neuronal Excitability Hardcover

Leonard K. Kaczmarek

This volume provides an introduction to the general principles of neuromodulation-the key neurobiological process for understanding how the brain works. Emphasizing ion channels and biochemical mechanisms of protein phosphorylation, the book shows how neurons regulate their intracellular calcium concentration by modulating the activity of certain ion channels. It goes on to explain the function of intracellular calcium and describes some fascinating neuromodulatory phenomena in the mammalian brain that have long awaited the kind of mechanistic investigations possible in simpler systems. Bridging the gap between neurochemistry and neurophysiology, the authors make complex concepts and research approaches comprehensible to scientists in either field.

9780195040975

English

Oxford University Press Inc

06-11-1996

298

Irwin B. Levitan

The first chapter of [this book] is devoted to a definition and description of what is meant by the term neuromodulation: "The ability of neurons to alter their electrical properties in response to intracellular changes resulting from synaptic or hormonal stimulation." In the opinion of the reviewer this is a very good restriction, as it appears that this field of cellular neurobiology shows exciting developments....A very good book for general neurobiologists to get quickly acquainted with the newly emerging insights into the mechanisms which neurons use, to change their excitability level. In addition it provides the specialist with an opportunity to broaden his outlook in the field of neurobiology. * Journal of the Neurological Sciences * An absolutely first class treatise...Can be warmly recommended to graduate students in the neurosciences for its clarity and lucidity. * Quarterly Review of Biology * The authors focus on the best-understood mechanisms of electrical modulation, namely those in which the properties of membrane ion channels are modified by second messenger systems...While only a decade or so ago the brain was considered too complicated to be studied effectively at the molecular level, the biochemical basis of neuromodulation in the mammalian brain now stands at the frontier of research...This volume provides an effective introduction to the study of neuromodulation and is appropriate as a text for graduate courses. * Cell * Useful not only to the novice but to virtually any investigator interested in cellular neurobiology. It certainly should be examined by individuals who teach neuroscience-related courses. * Science * Should be of interest to neuroscientists, biochemists, biophysicists, physiologists, and to graduate students in these fields. * Biological Abstracts/RRM (R) *