In recent years, there has been rapid growth in knowledge pertaining to the nervous system. This has, in some measure, been due to the development and application of a number of techniques such as the 2-deoxyglucose method and microchemical methods for measuring metabolites and regional cerebral blood flow. Data from the application of these techniques are just beginning to be collected, and the next few years promise to bring many new and exciting findings. The study of energy metabolism in brain is particularly interesting due to the fact that although the brain has scant energy reserves (as compared with the liver), it has one of the highest metabolic rates in the body. Recent studies from several laboratories have shown a surprising divergence of re sponses to metabolic insult in different areas of brain. In this regard, the cer ebellum, for example, may have metabolic features which are uniqve from those of any other region. The high-energy phosphate compounds ATP and phos phocreatine, supplied by the oxidative metabolism of glucose, are necessary for normal cerebral functions such as the maintenance of membrane potentials, transmission of impulses, and synthetic processes. Interruption of substrate or "poisoning" of the system by a variety of means lead to a rapid change in cellular energetics, and ultimately cell death. From the clinical standpoint, an interesting feature of metabolic encephalopathy is that in many cases, early diagnosis and treatment may result in a rapid reversal of symptoms.

Now in its third edition, this is a comprehensive survey of fetal and neonatal brain injury arising from hypoxia, ischemia or other causes. The volume spans a broad range of areas from epidemiology and pathogenesis, through to clinical manifestations and obstetric care, and then on to diagnosis, long-term outcomes, and medico-legal aspects. An important theme running throughout is to highlight scientific and clinical advances that have a role to play in minimising risk, improving clinical care and outcomes.

The articles in Issue 4 of Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease, Vol. 14 (1991) contain the main lectures presented at the 28th Annual Symposium of the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Birmingham, UK, 1990, which was dedicated to `The Liver and Inherited Metabolic Disease' with a half-day workshop on `Screening and Economics'. The subjects covered include metabolic functions of the liver, bile acids, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, tyrosinaemia type I, Crigler-Najjar disease type I and Niemann-Pick disease type C, providing updates on a wide range of metabolic disorders and illustrating the importance of the complementary contributions from professionals in different disciplines. Also covered in detail is the exciting potential of liver transplantation as treatment for several inborn errors of metabolism. This state-of-the-art review will be of interest to clinicians and research workers alike.

This fascinating monograph is filled with information formerly found only in periodicals and symposia proceedings. Chapters discuss the different models of cerebral ischemia in use today, including their advantages and disadvantages. This one-of-a-kind resource also contains essential chapters on cellular mechanisms of ion and acid-base homeostases, and energy metabolism of the ischemic brain. It reviews the possible role of lipids, free fatty acids, and free radicals. Four chapters are devoted to neurotransmitters and neuroregulators in cerebral ischemia. This extraordinary work also covers aspects of protection against and resuscitation from cerebral ischemia. An extremely informative volume, this book is an absolute must for every student in the field of cerebral ischemia, as well as the clinician or scientist who is already involved with this worldwide problem.

Metabolic Encephalopathy is meant to combine and correlate animal and human studies. It is hoped that increased awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of these disorders may result in a lowering of the incidence of structural changes and morbidity. These disorders hold a special fascination for both basic scientists and clinical investigators because they are accessible, treatable and there exists good animal models for study. Therefore, this book will pull together basic and clinical neuroscience issue in the treatment of specific metabolic encephalopathies.

The advances in science and medicine we are now experiencing are unprec edented and exciting. Life expectancy is prolonged, and quality of life is much improved. We learn of fabulous new discoveries made at the bench or the bedside every week. Many diseases have been totally eliminated, others can be significantly improved by new therapeutic formulations. Much of the success can be attributed to a better understanding of disease processes and the specific targeting of new and more effective medications. As is the case in many areas of successful human endeavour, there can be a downside. In the case of drugs and chemicals it is their adverse effects which are of concern. Of course, every effort is made to devise medications that are safe, and the need to elucidate and understand mechanisms are crucial, yet adverse effects remain a problem. They can be unpredictable and diverse. Drugs have been shown to induce virtually the whole gamut of human liver pathology from acute fulminant hepatitis to chronic active hepatitis to cirrho sis and even malignancy. Hence the possibility of adverse drug effects must be considered in the differential diagnosis of many patients with liver disease. This is well recognized and is very important; indeed, removal of the offending agent can often lead to reversal of the adverse effect. This is an area of hepatology where we can really make a difference.

Leading neuroscience researchers offer a fresh perspective on neuronal function by examining all its many components-including their pertubation during major disease states-and relate each element to neuronal demands. Topics range from the dependency of neurons on metabolic supply, as well as on both ion and transmitter homeostasis, to their close interaction with the myelin sheath. Also addressed are the astrocytic signaling system that controls synaptic transmission, the extracellular matrix and space as communication systems, the role of blood flow regulation in neuronal demand and in blood-brain barrier function, and inflammation and the neuroimmune system. Insightful and integrative, The Neuronal Environment: Brain Homeostasis in Health and Disease demonstrates a clear new understanding that neurons do not work in isolation, that they need constant interactions with other brain components to process information, and that they are not the only information processing system in the brain.

A handy reference source for scientists, students and physicians needing reliable, up-to-date information on basic mechanisms, physiology, pathophysiology, and medical issues related to brain vasculature. The books consists of short, specific chapters written by international experts on cerebral vasculature, and presents the information in a comprehensive and easily accessible manner.