A central problem in neurobiology concerns mechanisms that generate the pro found diversity and specificity of the nervous system. What is the substance of diversification and specificity at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels? 4 How, for example, do 1011 neurons each form approximately 10 interconnec tions, allowing normal physiological function? How does disruption of these processes result in human disease? These proceedings represent the efforts of molecular biologists, embryologists, neurobiologists, and clinicians to approach these issues. in this volume are grouped by subject to present the varieties The chapters of methods used to approach each individual area. Section I deals with embry ogenesis and morphogenesis of the nervous system. In Chapter 3, Weston and co-workers describe the use of monoclonal antibodies that recognize specific neuronal epitopes (including specific gangliosides) for the purpose of defining heterogeneity in the neural crest, an important model system. Immunocyto chemical analysis reveals the existence of distinct sUbpopulations within the crest at extremely early stages; cells express neuronal or glial binding patterns at the time of migration. Consequently, interactions with the environment may select for predetermined populations. Le Douarin reaches similar conclusions in Chapter 1 by analyzing migratory pathways and developmental potentials in crest of quail-

This text provides a broad but authoritative view of the cellular and molecular aspects of developmental neurobiology written by leaders in the field.

The field of cellular, molecular, and developmental neuroscience repre sents the interface between the three large, well established fields of neu roscience, cell biology, and molecular biology. In the last 10 to 15 years, this new field has emerged as one of the most rapidly growing and exciting subdisciplines of neuroscience. It is now becoming possible to understand many aspects of nervous system function at the molecular level, and there already are dramatic applications of this information to the treatment of nervous system injury, disease, and genetic disorders. Moreover, there is great optimism that new strategies will emerge soon as a result of the explosion of information. This book was written to introduce students to the major issues, ex perimental strategies, and current knowledge base in cellular, molecular, and developmental neuroscience. The concept for the book arose from a section of an introductory neuroscience course given to first-year medical students at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The text pre sumes a basic, but not detailed, understanding of nervous system orga nization and function, and a background in biology. It is intended as an appropriate introductory text for first-year medical students or graduate students in neuroscience, neurobiology, psychobiology, or related pro grams;··and for advanced undergraduate students with appropriate back ground in biology and neuroscience. While some of the specific information presented undoubtedly will be outdated rapidly, the "gestalt" of this emerging field of inquiry as presented here should help the beginning stu dent organize new information.

Data of all relevant aspects of neuronal cell growth and differentiation are presented in this volume. Regulation of expression, storage and release of nerve growth factors, receptor control and the cellular responses to growth factors are comprehensively discussed. Treated are also influences of various neurotransmitters on neuronal morphogenesis and new results of interactions of cells and mediators of the immune, endocrine and nervous system. Special emphasis is given to those factors regulating regeneration and nerve spreading after injuries of the nerve tissue.

The field of cellular, molecular, and developmental neuroscience repre sents the interface between the three large, well established fields of neu roscience, cell biology, and molecular biology. In the last 10 to 15 years, this new field has emerged as one of the most rapidly growing and exciting subdisciplines of neuroscience. It is now becoming possible to understand many aspects of nervous system function at the molecular level, and there already are dramatic applications of this information to the treatment of nervous system injury, disease, and genetic disorders. Moreover, there is great optimism that new strategies will emerge soon as a result of the explosion of information. This book was written to introduce students to the major issues, ex perimental strategies, and current knowledge base in cellular, molecular, and developmental neuroscience. The concept for the book arose from a section of an introductory neuroscience course given to first-year medical students at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The text pre sumes a basic, but not detailed, understanding of nervous system orga nization and function, and a background in biology. It is intended as an appropriate introductory text for first-year medical students or graduate students in neuroscience, neurobiology, psychobiology, or related pro grams;··and for advanced undergraduate students with appropriate back ground in biology and neuroscience. While some of the specific information presented undoubtedly will be outdated rapidly, the "gestalt" of this emerging field of inquiry as presented here should help the beginning stu dent organize new information.

Intended for use by advanced undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, The Neuron: Cell and Molecular Biology is an intriguing study of the unique biochemical and physiological properties of neurons, which emphasizes the molecular mechanisms that generate and regulate their activity. Keeping abreast of the enormous advances in neuroscience in the five years since the first edition was published, the authors have revised all their chapters in the second edition. What was formerly the first chapter has been expanded substantially and divided into two separate chapters to emphasize the cell biology of neurons and glia, and their commonalities with other kinds of cells. The section on intracellular communication has also been expanded and reorganized. Levitan and Kaczmarek introduce the concept of ion channels as specialized membrane proteins at an early stage, making the idea of selective membrane permeability more accessible in terms of the properties of specific ion channel proteins. In addition, they emphasize the astonishing diversity of voltage-dependent ion channels that has become evident in recent years, and discuss the implications of this diversity for neuronal physiology. In the section on intercellular communication, the chapter on neurotransmitter secretion has also been rewritten to reflect the new level of understanding of secretion that has resulted from the identification of many of the molecular players in vesicle fusion and exocytosis. The other chapters in this section have also been fully revised to incorporate new information resulting from the cloning and characterization of the multitude of glutamate receptors as well as to describe novel elements of intracellular signaling pathways in neurons and other cells. Finally, the last section has been substantially updated to reflect the recent successes of molecular studies of development and plasticity. As more and more of the molecular entities that are essential for neuronal development and adult plasticity are identified and characterized, phenomena that previously could be studied only at the descriptive level can now be explained in greater depth.

This volume addresses central issues in the embryological development of the nervous system, which, while similar to that of other organs and tissues, features special and intricate mechanisms of morphogenesis. It emphasizes the description of cellular interactions at the molecular level and includes some of the first fruits from applications to neurobiology of recent developments in othera areas--notable immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and molecular genetics.

Current Topics in Developmental Biology provides a comprehensive survey of the major topics in the field of developmental biology. The volumes are valuable to researchers in animal and plant development, as well as to students and professionals who want an introduction to cellular and molecular mechanisms of development. The series has recently passed its 30-year mark, making it the longest-running forum for contemporary issues in developmental biology. Neural Development, the most recent publication in the series, covers the most up-to-date discoveries and developments of the brain. This volume touches upon topics such as the fly retina, telencephalon development, glia-neuron interactions in the nervous system, midbrain and cerebellum development, synapse formation from visual behavior screens, the role of MEF2 proteins, and much more. * Over 35 tables and figures in full color with detailed illustrations * Includes 10 riveting chapters of the most recent discoveries in neural development * Discusses such topics as the role of glial cells, susceptibility of damage to the brain, the developing visual cortex and much more

Intended for use by advanced undergraduate, graduate and medical students, this book presents a study of the unique biochemical and physiological properties of neurons, emphasising the molecular mechanisms that generate and regulate their activity.