In this timely volume, eminent researchers provide detailed coverage of the relevant function of neurochemical correlates to cerebral ischemia as well as their pathophysiological significance.

The human brain represents about 2% of the body weight, yet it accounts for approximately 20% of aerobic metabolism. This high dependency on energy-consuming processes is mainly caused by the active transport of ions, which is necessary to compensate for the transmembrane ion currents that are part ofthe complex signaling processes in the brain. Ninety-five percent ofthe brain's ATP is derived from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Since that organ' s storage capacity for oxygen is minimal, any interruption of oxygen delivery to brain cells willlead to changes in membrane excitability and, there fore, to disruption of neuronal signaling within seconds. It seems that mamma lian brain is especially vulnerable to such an interruption, since oxygen deprivation leads to activation of ion channel mechanisms in neurons that impair their communications. Thus, the function of the brain as a coordinator of vital homeostatic reflexes, and complex body reactions to external challenges, depends critically on the rate of oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption. Oxygen delivery depends on two variables described in the Fick relation ship: volume flow rate ofblood and the arterial oxygen content. A reduction in either of these two variables will have serious effects on vital brain func tions. Reduction of arterial blood flow to the brain can be caused by cardiac arrest, shock, carotid occlusion, Of hypotension (global ischemia). Oxygen content is progressively decreased in asphyxia (including drowning).

Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Nimodipine, Miami Beach, Florida, USA, April 25-28, 1990

This book presents a comprehensive survey in which internationally recognized experts discuss specific topics. The wide spectrum of experimental and clinical investigations include the pathophysiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Update 1990 represents the series' continuous effort to combine the most recent developments in one reference source for all those involved in cardiology, internal medicine, pediatrics, anesthesia, intensive care and emergency medicine.

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.

The Handbook is intended to be a service to the neuroscience community, to help in finding available and useful information, to point out gaps in our knowledge, and to encourage continued studies. It represents the valuable contributions of the many authors of the chapters and the guidance of the editors and most important, it represents support for research in this discipline. Based on the rapid advances in the years since the second edition

During the last few years, exciting new insights into mechanisms and treatment of stroke have been obtained from animal experiments. Hence, the use of animal models to induce stroke are of paramount importance as research tools. While a few articles on this topic have been published in select journals, until now there has not been a systematic technical book available which assists researchers in building upon commonly known knowledge. The Manual of Stroke Models in Rats explains in great detail the methods and techniques for accomplishing different stroke models in rats, as well as some techniques using mice. Expert contributors to this text include the most recent research information available, as well as generally recognized facts, making this volume an imperative tool for those researchers seeking to identify new areas of exploration. The first text in 20 years to detail new techniques in rat stroke models The book begins with a statistical update of stroke in America, and proceeds to discuss the rationale for using ischemic stroke models. Major sections include different surgical models of stroke induced by the occlusion of the distal middle cerebral artery, by intraluminal filament or embolic implantation, by photochemically induced thrombosis, global cerebral ischemia induced by asphyxia cardiac arrest or by four-vessel occlusion, and brain hemorrhage. The book also includes anesthesia procedures, general principles of microsurgery, and a study of microsurgical instruments. Numerous tables, figures, and color images are used to supplement the material. The editor, Dr. Yanlin Wang-Fischer, has published more than 40 scientific articles in various medical journals and contributed to several projects related to animal models and surgeries. In this volume, she brings together contributors who represent the cutting edge of research in the field. By reviewing the methods in this detailed technical treatise, researchers will be armed with the latest strategies in preparing their own experimental stroke models.