A superb collection of time-tested, key techniques for investigating nervous system function, as well as the actions of drugs on the nervous system. The methods range from authoritative treatment of such well-established techniques as recording electrical activity in the brain, to practical coverage of state-of-the-art methods, including neural transplantation and antisense technology. The techniques described are particularly suitable for studying the mechanisms of action of psychotropic drugs and drugs of abuse, as well as the etiology and pharmacotherapy of neuropsychiatric diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Several of the methods detailed are highly useful in screening potential drugs for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

This volume explores the latest methods that seek to address the vital questions being asked in neurotoxicology research. The chapters in this book cover a variety of available methods from the molecular level to the organism level, and both in vitro and in vivo approaches, including alternative model organisms. In the Neuromethods series style, chapters include the kind of detail and key advice from the specialists needed to get successful results in your laboratory. Cutting-edge and authoritative, Experimental Neurotoxicology Methods is a valuable resource for both young and experienced researchers who are looking for guidance to implement these methods in their laboratories or for understanding the data generated through these techniques.

This volume presents classical approaches to in vivo neuropharmacology and neurophysiology, such as c-fos, electrochemistry, microdialysis microstimulation, and push-up superfusion. It also explores exciting new methods for behavioral analysis, and techniques based on optogenetics and non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging. The chapters of this book cover topics such as principles of stereotaxy, pharmaco-based fMRI and neurophysiology in humans and non-human primates, electrical nerve stimulation and central microstimulation, involvement of neurotransmitters in mnemonic processes, the impact of cannabinoids on motor activity, as well as the involvement of nitric oxide in neurotoxicity produced by psychostimulant drugs. Each chapter also discusses difficulties, tips, tricks, and precautions to take. Neuromethods series style chapters include the kind of detail and key advice from the specialists needed to get successful results in your own laboratory. Cutting-edge and practical, In Vivo Neuropharmacology and Neurophysiology is a valuable resource for experienced and less experienced investigators of brain function and brain disorders.

In Vitro Neurochemical Techniques is the third work updating and expanding the best-selling inaugural volume of Humana Press's warmly received Neuromethods series, General Neurochemical Techniques (vol. 1). The key techniques detailed in this new edition encompass the breadth of neurochemical and molecular neurobiology research, ranging from the isolation of neuronal genes and the study of their expression to the analysis of receptor-ligand interactions, to the characterization of the consequences of receptor activation. The methods include electrophysiological techniques to explore the functional properties of receptors present in the membranes of excitable cells, methods to isolate novel genes central to neurobiological processes, and protocols to perform in situ hybridization histochemistry. Other methods cover the measurement of changes in gene expression, the rapid identification of gene polymorphisms, and the identification and characterization of second messenger pathways. The companion volumes, In Vivo Neuromethods and Cell Neurobiology Techniques, cover both in vivo methods and in vitro cell neurobiology approaches. Like the original, all three cutting-edge works will prove exceptionally useful to those basic and clinical neuroscientists who want to expand the range of their current research or develop competence in complementary methods.

In Vitro Neurochemical Techniques is the third work updating and expanding the best-selling inaugural volume of Humana Press's warmly received Neuromethods series, General Neurochemical Techniques (vol. 1). The key techniques detailed in this new edition encompass the breadth of neurochemical and molecular neurobiology research, ranging from the isolation of neuronal genes and the study of their expression to the analysis of receptor-ligand interactions, to the characterization of the consequences of receptor activation. The methods include electrophysiological techniques to explore the functional properties of receptors present in the membranes of excitable cells, methods to isolate novel genes central to neurobiological processes, and protocols to perform in situ hybridization histochemistry. Other methods cover the measurement of changes in gene expression, the rapid identification of gene polymorphisms, and the identification and characterization of second messenger pathways. The companion volumes, In Vivo Neuromethods and Cell Neurobiology Techniques, cover both in vivo methods and in vitro cell neurobiology approaches. Like the original, all three cutting-edge works will prove exceptionally useful to those basic and clinical neuroscientists who want to expand the range of their current research or develop competence in complementary methods.

we might seek alternative sources of donor tissues. Genetic en- neering, expansion of precursor cells, generation of immortalized cell lines, and transplantation between species are all under active investigation. Although significant difficulties remain for each of these alternatives, the problems appear soluble and relevant knowledge is expanding rapidly. As we enter the twenty-first century, the place of neural tra- plantation in experimental neuroscience is continuing to evolve. Rather than being a topic in its own right, neural transplantation increasingly serves as just another technique in the researcher's armory--alongside lesions, pharmaceuticals, gene transfer, and a variety of other techniques--for the experimental manipulation of brain structure and function. This is particularly true for studies of degeneration, plasticity, regeneration, and recovery of function in the nervous system, topics of increasing importance as experimental neurobiology is required to serve the higher needs of neurological and mental health in aging societies. Within this evolving context, Neural Transplantation Methods seeks to serve a particular need: to provide experimental neu- scientists with a source book of information to enable them to select and adapt transplantation techniques to their own expe- mental programs. All authors have been asked to address prac- cal issues, to enable the reader to assess what is available, what are the alternatives, what are the practical issues to be resolved in applying a particular protocol and getting it to work reliably in their unique experimental context.

The cutting-edge techniques detailed here include those that are particularly popular in multidisciplinary neuroscience research. There are readily reproducible methods for establishing neural cell cultures, measuring enzymes and their inhibitors, and using quantitative autoradiography to study monoamine uptake sites and receptors in the brain. Additional methods cover the use of flow cytometry to study developmental neurobiology, applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to human brain metabolism, and the study of drug metabolism. Together with its companion volumes, In Vivo Neuromethods and In Vitro Neurochemical Techniques, all three cutting-edge works will prove exceptionally useful to those basic and clinical neuroscientists who want to expand the range of their current research or develop competence in complementary methods.

The cutting-edge techniques detailed here include those that are particularly popular in multidisciplinary neuroscience research. There are readily reproducible methods for establishing neural cell cultures, measuring enzymes and their inhibitors, and using quantitative autoradiography to study monoamine uptake sites and receptors in the brain. Additional methods cover the use of flow cytometry to study developmental neurobiology, applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to human brain metabolism, and the study of drug metabolism. Together with its companion volumes, In Vivo Neuromethods and In Vitro Neurochemical Techniques, all three cutting-edge works will prove exceptionally useful to those basic and clinical neuroscientists who want to expand the range of their current research or develop competence in complementary methods.

Volume 1 of this series focused mainly on small molecules which are intrinsically electroactive. Volume 2 continues to provide current approaches to real time measurements of essential species in the central nervous system. It describes microdialysis, a sampling technique, which facilitates the removal of small volumes of solution containing the analyte(s) of interest which can be subsequently separated by chromatography and analyzed by a range of techniques. These include electrochemistry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence and mass spectroscopy. This approach affords the opportunity to measure a range of targets in real-time thus providing access to pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics measurements affording the possibility of measuring the disappearance of a drug after administration and the subsequent appearance of metabolites. Microdialysis further affords the ability to sample peptides and proteins of neurobiological interest.Consistent with the goals of Volume 1, Volume 2 seeks to provide for scientists in the field of neurobiology a base of bioanalytical techniques that may not be familiar to them. Specific examples are provided and the fundamental basis of the technique is also covered.

This volume explores the latest techniques used to better understand the brain reward system with respect to neurotransmitters, brain structures, and connectivity. This book aims to show readers tested laboratory protocols to study neural circuitry and biological processes implicated in reward, and in neuropsychiatric disorders such as substance use disorders. The chapters are organized into four parts. Part One addresses classical techniques to study the brain reward system, including the curve shift paradigm in intracranial self-stimulation, stereotaxic surgery in rodents, and the use of brain lesions. Part Two focuses on neurochemical, behavioral, and chemogenetic techniques such as immunofluorescence for assessing adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and fast-scan voltammetry. Part Three highlights methods used to assess the rewarding potential of drugs including intracranial self-stimulation combined with drug injection, and the use of viral vectors. The Fourth Part introduces imaging and electrophysiology techniques such as positron emission tomography, in vivo electrophysiology, and fiber photometry. In the Neuromethods series style, chapters include the kind of detail and key advice from the specialists needed to get successful results in your laboratory. Cutting-edge and thorough, The Brain Reward System is a valuable resource for researchers interested in learning more about the current methods used to study the delineation of the brain reward system.