Reflecting a vast amount of new information concerning the functional characteristics of the various 5-HT receptor subtypes and the Na+-dependent serotonin transporter (SERT), this volume provides state of the art methodologies currently applied in serotonin research from leading experts in the field. Serotonin Receptor Technologies describes approaches that vary from molecular biological and biochemical techniques (e.g., regarding receptor dimerization), fluorescence microscopy and imaging applications, flow cytometry, the use of organotypic slice and cell cultures to the generation of genetically modified animal models and the development of sophisticated behavioral tests, thus covering a wide spectrum of techniques to study serotonergic signaling in detail. Written for the popular Neuromethods series, chapters include the kind of detail and practical advice that ensures successful results in the lab. Authoritative and convenient, Serotonin Receptor Technologies serves to foster both basic and translational research aiming to further deepen our understanding of the various facets of aminergic systems, as well as to aid research on similar problems with related GPCRs and neurotransmitter transporters.

Brain aminergic pathways are organized in parallel and interacting systems, which support a range of functions, from homoeostatic regulations to cognitive, and motivational processes. Despite overlapping functional influences, dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and histamine systems provide different contributions to these processes. The histaminergic system, long ignored as a major regulator of the sleep-wake cycle, has now been fully acknowledged also as a major coordinator of attention, learning and memory, decision making. Although histaminergic neurons project widely to the whole brain, they are functionally heterogeneous, a feature which may provide the substrate for differential regulation, in a region-specific manner, of other neurotransmitter systems. Neurochemical preclinical studies have clearly shown that histamine interacts and modulates the release of neurotransmitters that are recognized as major modulators of cognitive processing and motivated behaviours. As a consequence, the histamine system has been proposed as a therapeutic target to treat sleep-wake disorders and cognitive dysfunctions that accompany neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory pathologies. Last decades have witnessed an unexpected explosion of interest in brain histamine system, as new receptors have been discovered and selective ligands synthesised. Nevertheless, the complete picture of the histamine systems fine-tuning and its orchestration with other pathways remains rather elusive. This Research Topic is intended to offer an inter-disciplinary forum that will improve our current understanding of the role of brain histamine and provide the fundamentals necessary to drive innovation in clinical practice and to improve the management and treatment of neurological disorders.

The Serotonin System: History, Neuropharmacology, and Pathology provides an up-to-date accounting on the physiology and pathophysiology of serotonin and the role it plays in behavioral functions. In addition, the book explores the potential roles of 5-HT1 in neurodevelopmental disorders and summarizes the history of the discovery and development of serotonergic drugs for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. This concise, yet thorough, volume is the perfect introduction to this critical neurotransmitter. It is ideal for students and researchers new to the study of behavior, neuropsychiatry or neuropharmacology, but is also a great resource for established investigators who want a greater perspective on serotonin. - Examines the role of serotonin in physiological functions and neuropsychiatric disorders - Provides in-depth knowledge on all aspects of the serotonin system - Explores serotonergic receptors as targets for both current and new therapeutic compounds

Glutamate is the most pervasive neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite this fact, no validated biological markers, or biomarkers, currently exist for measuring glutamate pathology in CNS disorders or injuries. Glutamate dysfunction has been associated with an extensive range of nervous system diseases and disorders. Problems with how the neurotransmitter glutamate functions in the brain have been linked to a wide variety of disorders, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury. These conditions are widespread, affecting a large portion of the United States population, and remain difficult to treat. Efforts to understand, treat, and prevent glutamate-related disorders can be aided by the identification of valid biomarkers. The Institute of Medicine's Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders held a workshop on June 21-22, 2010, to explore ways to accelerate the development, validation, and implementation of such biomarkers. Glutamate-Related Biomarkers in Drug Development for Disorders of the Nervous System: Workshop Summary investigates promising current and emerging technologies, and outlines strategies to procure resources and tools to advance drug development for associated nervous system disorders. Moreover, this report highlights presentations by expert panelists, and the open panel discussions that occurred during the workshop.

Schizophrenia and Psychotic Spectrum Disorders aims to engage young caregivers in psychiatry, psychology, nursing and social work so that they will be able to become well informed about this significant--and at times confusing--illness. Because schizophrenia is considered to be one of the most complicated and severe psychiatric disorders, this book has the goal of summarizing key issues of the illness, such as its presentation, frequency and age of onset, and diagnostic characteristics. It also contains informative chapters about the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, ranging from brain development issues, genetics, and likely abnormalities in neurotransmitters. This book will give young professionals and those joining the field an excellent and accessible background to treatment. In this area, Schizophrenia and Psychotic Spectrum Disorders provides a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment initiation, strategies for non-response, approaches of therapy, and importantly, ways to provide family therapy and support.

The Encyclopedia of Movement Disorders is a comprehensive reference work on movement disorders, encompassing a wide variety of topics in neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and pharmacology. This compilation will feature more than 300 focused entries, including sections on different disease states, pathophysiology, epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools, as well as discussions on relevant basic science topics. This Encyclopedia is an essential addition to any collection, written to be accessible for both the clinical and non-clinical reader. Academic clinicians, translational researchers and basic scientists are brought together to connect experimental findings made in the laboratory to the clinical features, pathophysiology and treatment of movement disorders. The Encyclopedia targets a broad readership, ranging from students to general physicians, basic scientists and Movement Disorder specialists. Published both in print and via Elsevier’s online platform of Science Direct, this Encyclopedia will have the enhanced option of integrating traditional print with online multimedia. Connects experimental findings made in the laboratory to the clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment of movement disorders Encompasses a wide variety of topics in neurology neurosurgery, psychiatry, and pharmacology Written for a broad readership ranging from students to general physicians, basic scientists, and movement disorder specialists

This volume brings together information on membrane organization and dynamics from a variety of spectroscopic, microscopic and simulation approaches, spanning a broad range of time scales. The implication of such dynamic information on membrane function in health and disease is a topic of contemporary interest. The chapters cover various aspects of membrane lipid and protein dynamics, explored using a battery of experimental and theoretical approaches. The synthesis of information and knowledge gained by utilizing multiple approaches will provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying membrane dynamics and function, which will help to develop robust dynamic models for the understanding of membrane function in healthy and diseased states. In the last few years, crystal structures of an impressive number of membrane proteins have been reported, thanks to tremendous advances in membrane protein crystallization techniques. Some of these recently solved structures belong to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, which are particularly difficult to crystallize due to their intrinsic flexibility. Nonetheless, these static structures do not provide the necessary information to understand the function of membrane proteins in the complex membrane milieu. This volume will address the dynamic nature of membrane proteins within the membrane and will provide the reader with an up-to date overview of the theory and practical approaches that can be used. This volume will be invaluable to researchers working in a wide range of scientific areas, from biochemistry and molecular biology to biophysics and protein science. Students of these fields will also find this volume very useful. This book will also be of great use to those who are interested in the dynamic nature of biological processes.

Serotonin - A Chemical Messenger Between All Types of Living Cells is a very interesting book on the most ancient neurotransmitter, hormone and trophic factor serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). This unique chemical is present in all living cells including plants and animals. This book will take us through a serene journey of the evolutionary history of serotonin and its role from man to mollusk. There are many interesting chapters incorporated in this book, including novel approaches for detecting minor metabolites of serotonin in human plasma, production and function of serotonin in cardiac cells, immuno-thrombotic effects of serotonin in platelets to the identification and localization of serotonin in the nervous system and gonad of bivalve mollusks.

In this compilation, the authors begin with a review of the mechanisms of synthesis and secretion, cellular effects and the involvement of serotonin (5-HT) in physiological and behavioral functions horses. In addition, the pathological conditions in which 5-HT is involved at the level of equine clinics are studied. Following this, the capabilities and limitations of PET imaging research on non-human primates are discussed for translation to brain DA research on humans, as well as therapeutic drug development for neurodegenerative diseases. This book also examines the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The authors present available data contributing to the appreciation of a serotonergic dysfunction in ASD, as well as discuss new avenues to reveal the pathophysiology of this multifactorial disorder. Next, they review the historical and current evidence that links neurotransmitters with hemopoeitic stem cell mobilization, trafficking, and specially emphasize the role of serotonin in erythropoiesis. Potential actionable myelodysplastic and leukemic pathways are described and investigated.