A comprehensive overview of nicotinic receptors that addresses their history from crystal structure to behavior as well as their implications in disease and potential as therapeutic targets. It includes background information on all subtypes of nicotinic receptors, the most recent information on the distribution throughout the nervous system and discussion of their implications in learning and memory, addiction and neurological and psychiatric disease such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Takes advantage of several recent developments in the fields of optogenetics, viral expression and gene analysis to focus on current knowledge on the functional aspects of nicotinic receptors.

The nicotinoids are the most important new class of pesticides, joining the organophosphorus compounds, methylcarbamates, and pyrethroids as the major insecticides. Recently, imidacloprid and related nicotinoids have begun replacing organophosphorus and methylcarbamate compounds as insecticides to control insect pests on major crops. Nicotinoids act on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, as does naturally occurring nicotine, but with remarkable effectiveness against insects while being safe for mammals; they are quickly degraded and do not persist in the environment. This volume describes the relationship of nicotinoids to botanical insecticidal alkaloids, their discovery and development as insecticides, and the prospects for their expanded use and for the development of resistance. This book is the first to provide concise, comprehensive information on nicotinoids, their chemistry, mode of action, metabolism, and application in agriculture.

Neuronal nicotinic receptors are key molecules for signal transduction in a number of neuronal pathways. They are widely distributed in the brain and are known to be involved in cognitive tasks, including learning and memory, in smoking addiction and in several brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's dementias, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. This book provides a comprehensive review of the field, starting with a historical perspective and dealing with the molecular structure of these receptors, their biophysical and pharmacological properties, their distribution in central and peripheral nervous systems, and their major involvement in brain functions. Particular emphasis is paid to drugs (both new and old) that are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving neuronal nicotinic receptors. Finally, the relevance of these receptors in smoking addiction is carefully evaluated, together with future trends and the latest results.

Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology, Fourth Edition, is the only up-to-date textbook on the market that focuses on the molecular and cellular physiology of neurons and synapses. Hypothesis-driven rather than a dry presentation of the facts, the book promotes a real understanding of the function of nerve cells that is useful for practicing neurophysiologists and students in a graduate-level course on the topic alike. This new edition explains the molecular properties and functions of excitable cells in detail and teaches students how to construct and conduct intelligent research experiments. The content is firmly based on numerous experiments performed by top experts in the field This book will be a useful resource for neurophysiologists, neurobiologists, neurologists, and students taking graduate-level courses on neurophysiology. - 70% new or updated material in full color throughout, with more than 350 carefully selected and constructed illustrations - Fifteen appendices describing neurobiological techniques are interspersed in the text

The aim of this book is to summarize our understanding on the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This area of research received great impetus from the identification of the first subunit sequences to be used as neonicotinoid insecticide target sites. Although a book of this nature can provide the details only of commonly published results, it is hoped that it may provide a useful guide to the newcomer to the field as well as to point out some of the future challenges. For example, we need to determine the precise subunit nomenclature of insect nicotinic receptors. This nomenclature varies amongst species and this led to some of the early confusion that persists. We need to be precise in identifying the subunit composition of native insect nicotinic receptor subtypes, their functional properties and physiological roles.

Jasper's Basic Mechanisms, Fourth Edition, is the newest most ambitious and now clinically relevant publishing project to build on the four-decade legacy of the Jasper's series. In keeping with the original goal of searching for "a better understanding of the epilepsies and rational methods of prevention and treatment.", the book represents an encyclopedic compendium neurobiological mechanisms of seizures, epileptogenesis, epilepsy genetics and comordid conditions. Of practical importance to the clinician, and new to this edition are disease mechanisms of genetic epilepsies and therapeutic approaches, ranging from novel antiepileptic drug targets to cell and gene therapies.

Neuroscience of Nicotine: Mechanisms and Treatment presents the fundamental information necessary for a thorough understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of nicotine addiction and its effects on the brain. Offering thorough coverage of all aspects of nicotine research, treatment, policy and prevention, and containing contributions from internationally recognized experts, the book provides students, early-career researchers, and investigators at all levels with a fundamental introduction to all aspects of nicotine misuse. With an estimated one billion individuals worldwide classified as tobacco users—and tobacco use often being synonymous with nicotine addiction—nicotine is one of the world's most common addictive substances, and a frequent comorbidity of misuse of other common addictive substances. Nicotine alters a variety of neurological processes, from molecular biology, to cognition, and quitting is exceedingly difficult because of the number of withdrawal symptoms that accompany the process. - Integrates cutting-edge research on the pharmacological, cellular and molecular aspects of nicotine use, along with its effects on neurobiological function - Discusses nicotine use as a component of dual-use and poly addictions and outlines numerous screening and treatment strategies for misuse - Covers both the physical and psychological effects of nicotine use and withdrawal to provide a fully-formed view of nicotine dependency and its effects

Thanks to tremendous technical advances in molecular biology and cellular imaging after those in electrophysiology, there is now a deep understanding of the physiology of nerve cells and their synaptic interconnections. The complexity of the brain emerges from the communication and interaction between billions of these elements. This book explores systematically and didactically the details of neuronal physiology, covering membrane biophysics, receptor physiology, sensory transduction and synaptic transmission with its selective pharmacology. Readers of the book will be fully equipped to understand the functions and possibilities of the key units of the brain’s parallel computations.

Explores all ares of neurological sciences with over 1,000 entries on a wide variety of topics in neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and the related neuroscience.