A multiplicity of methods for visualization are described in Visualization of Receptors. This book of techniques covers immunocytology, radioautography, in situ hybridization, plasmon resonance, RT in vitro PCR, and X-ray crystal structure analysis. Lecturers, researchers, practitioners, technicians, and students will find all the principles and protocols they require and the means of implementing them. Topics discussed include localization of ligands (in vitro or in vivo), visualization of immunoreactivities of ligand and receptor proteins, detection and quantification of mRNA expression, amplification of signals, and determination of 3-D structure. Details of protocols with illustrations of results and commentaries are provided throughout the book.

Radioligand binding in situ is the most sensitive method for detecting available receptors; the success and reliability of this approach are determined by a number of technical requirements and constraints. Based on the authors' fifteen years of experience in the field, Visualization of Receptors In Situ: Applications of Radioligand Binding explici

The detection of neurotransmitter receptor locations and distribution densities within the central nervous system and peripheral tissues is receiving intense attention within the neuroscience research community. Neurotransmitter receptors, which receive the chemical signals sent from one neuron to another, are critical links in a highly complex information-processing chain. Pinpointing receptor sites and systems is crucial for understanding neurological function as well as dysfunction. It is also essential for understanding how receptors process information when impacted by such substances as heroin or nicotine, or when affected by neurodegenerative disease. Receptor Localization: Laboratory Methods and Procedures is the first user-friendly guide to the latest techniques and approaches being employed to examine the localization of neurotransmitter receptors in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. It covers detection methods that are applicable to a wide variety of receptor systems, ranging from genes and ligands to in vito receptors in individuals; and to numerous receptor subtypes, such as nicotine, muscarine, tackykinins, dopamine, adenosine, and GABA. The standard laboratory "recipes" or "tricks" employed in these detection methods are fully discussed, as are the advantages and limitations of each procedure. With contributions from leading experts and extensively illustrated, this book: * Discusses receptor ligand binding methods using irreversible and reversible compounds * Presents antireceptor antisera technology using synthetic peptides and fusion proteins at both the cellular and subcellular resolution levels * Examines molecular assessments of receptors * Describes in situ hybridization, reverse transcriptase-PCR, and fluorescent in situ transcription * Covers new visualization paradigms * Includes physiological analysis of receptor function, cellular detection in the brain slice, and cultured neurons * Discusses the use of PET and SPECT to assess in vivo receptor distributions in animals and humans Receptor Localization: Laboratory Methods and Procedures is an invaluable guide for researchers in the related fields of neurology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. Its lucid descriptions of new detection methods, inclusion of experimental examples, and emphasis on how these experimental approaches are applicable to particular research areas will appeal to both the experienced researcher and novice investigator.

Receptors for cell hormones, growth factors, Fourth, alterations in the development of neu and neurotransmitters are involved in the ral receptors may have profound implications control and modulation of an enormous array for the structure and function of the of biological processes. The development of organism. As much as possible, the reper these receptors has distinct spatial and tem cussions of disrupting the orchestration of poral arrangements, and alterations in this receptor development in the nervous system pattern during embryogenesis can have signi are discussed. In many instances, however, ficant consequences for the well-being of the we are just beginning to learn about some fetus, infant, child and adult. The developing receptors and the authors may not be in a nervous system is particularly dependent on position to discuss the consequences of recep receptors because its period of structural and tor dysfunction. functional organization extends through both In designing these two volumes, we have prenatal and postnatal phases. Moreover, asked major figures in each field to review the receptors are a key element in neural com literature, to apprise the audience of their munication in both the developing and adult latest findings, and to provide a perspective on organism, so that the ontogeny of receptors is the role of receptors in the developing nervous crucial in determining the myriad connections system. These books are intended to sum forming the circuitry of the nervous system.

Receptors: Models for Binding, Trafficking, and Signaling bridges the gap between chemical engineering and cell biology by lucidly and practically demonstrating how a mathematical modeling approach combined with quantitative experiments can provide enhanced understanding of cell phenomena involving receptor/ligand interactions. In stressing the need for a quantitative understanding of how receptor-mediated cell functions depend on receptor and ligand properties, the book offers comprehensive treatments of both basic and state-of-the-art model frameworks that span the entire spectrum of receptor processes--from fundamental cell surface binding, intracellular trafficking, and signal transduction events to the cell behavioral functions they govern, including proliferation, adhesion, and migration. The book emphasizes mechanistic models that are accessible to experimental testing and includes detailed examples of important contemporary issues. This much-needed book introduces chemical engineers and bioengineers to important problems in receptor biology and familiarizes cell biologists with the insights that can be gained from engineering analysis and synthesis. As such, chemical engineers, researchers, and advanced students in the fields of biotechnology, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, and molecular cell biology will find this book to be conceptually rich, timely, and useful.

A number of developments spanning a multitude of techniques makes this an exciting time for research in serotonin receptors. A comprehensive review of the subject from a multidisciplinary perspective, Serotonin Receptors in Neurobiology is among the first books to include information on serotonin receptor knockout studies. With contributions from l

Receptor and Ion Channel Detection in the Brain provides state-of-the-art and up-to-date methodological information on molecular, neuroanatomical and functional techniques that are currently used to study neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels in the brain. The chapters have been contributed by world-wide recognized neuroscientists who explain in an easy and detailed way well established and tested protocols embracing molecular, cellular, subcellular, anatomical and electrophysiological aspects of the brain. This comprehensive and practical manual is presented in a simple, step-by-step manner for laboratory use, and also offers unambiguous detail and key implementation advice that proves essential for successful results and facilitate choosing the best method for the target proteins under study. This work serves as a useful guide for young researchers and students in training as well as for neurologists and established scientists who wish to extend their repertoire of techniques.