Methods in Neurosciences, Volume 13: Neuropeptide Analogs, Conjugates, and Fragments covers the synthesis and characterization of peptide analogs, conjugates, and fragments, their use as ligands for receptors, and their role in the development and use of antisera. The book discusses techniques such as novel synthetic approaches; biotinylation; purification and characterization; radioligand techniques and assay development; use of agonists and antagonists; distinguishing receptor subtypes; conjugation to carrier proteins; antiidiotypic antibody development; and radiolabeling. Neuroscientists, biochemists, neurochemists, and pharmacologists will find the book useful.

The volumes in this series include contemporary techniques significant to a particular branch of neuroscience. They are an invaluable aid to the student as well as the experienced researcher not only in developing protocols in neuroscience but in disciplines where research is becoming closely related to neuroscience. Each volume of Methods in Neurosciences contains an index, and each chapter includes references. Dr. Conn became Editor-in-Chief of the series beginning with Volume 15, so each subsequent volume could be guest-edited by an expert in that specific field. This further strengthens the depth of coverage in Methods in Neurosciences for students and researchers alike. - Comprehensive protocols included for: Enzymes involved in the activation of bioactive peptidases and proteins - Prohormone/neuropeptide processing pathways - Enzymes involved in peptide metabolism - Posttranslational processing enzymes

Pulsatility is now recognized as a nearly ubiquitous functional feature of neuroendocrine systems. This volume presents a comprehensive guide to the established and emerging technologies being used to study the perplexing phenomenon of pulsatility. Molecular, cellular, physiological, and mathematical approaches are described in detail. - In vitro methods for studying neuroendocrine pulsatility - In vivo sampling and recording procedures for monitoring pulsatility in several species - Improved quantitative and analytical methods for the study of hormone pulsatility

The volumes in this series include contemporary techniques significant to a particular branch of neuroscience. They are an invaluable aid to the student as well as the experienced researcher not only in developing protocols in neuroscience but in disciplines where research is becoming closely related to neuroscience. Each volume of Methods in Neurosciences contains an index, and each chapter includes references. Dr. Conn became Editor-in-Chief of the series beginning with Volume 15, so each subsequent volume could be guest-edited by an expert in that specific field. This further strengthens the depth of coverage in Methods in Neurosciences for students and researchers alike.Comprehensive protocols included for the study of: - The brain-immune system - The neuroimmune system: Effects of the brain on the peripheral immune system - Neuroimmune effects from substances of abuse (e.g. cocaine) to hypnosis - Measurement of interferons, cytokines, natural killer cells, and major histocompatibility complex molecules - Immunohistochemistry methods in the brain - Neuropeptides as immunomodulators

In this volume contemporary methods designed to provide insights into, mathematical structure for, and predictive inferences about neuroendocrine control mechanisms are presented. - Collates an array of contemporary techniques for analysis of neuroendocrine data - Discusses current problems in and solutions to neurohormone pulse analysis - Identifies relevant software available

Recent data suggest a critical role for cytokines in the regulation of brain and endocrine function under normal physiological conditions. The aim of this volume and its companion Volume 16 is to provide an overview of the effects of cytokines in the brain and in the endocrine system. - Methods presented for easy adaptation to new systems - Comprehensive protocols included for: The synthesis and release of cytokines; The study of their central nervous system actions; Studying the role of cytokines in human neuropathological conditions

Neurobiology of Cytokines, Part A provides an overview of the effects of cytokines in the brain and in the endocrine system. The book discusses the general aspects of cytokines, including the endogenous agonists and antagonists, their receptors, their second messengers, and transport mechanisms for cytokines across the blood-brain barrier. The text also describes the anatomical localization of cytokines, cytokine receptors, and their respective mRNA in brain and in endocrine tissues. The methods for evaluating the in vivo as well as in vitro actions of cytokines on hormone secretion are also considered. The book further tackles the synthesis and release of cytokines and their central nervous system actions; and the methodology for studying the role of cytokines in human neuropathological conditions.

Methods in Neurosciences, Volume 14: Paradigms for the Study of Behavior is a collection of articles that describes the methods for measuring a wide range of behavior. This volume covers the means for measuring different behaviors, such as reproductive, maternal, sexual, aggression, social interactions, feeding behavior, memory analysis, and classical conditioning. The opening papers outline the proper conditions and practical considerations in which the researcher can study the sexual and reproductive behavior of animals in the laboratory. Another paper describes how to assess aggressiveness in rodents including ethical issues involved in such study. The book then discusses the effects of intracerebral administration of neuropeptides in rats using surgical and stereotaxic methods. Another paper presents the measurement of behavioral thermoregulatory reflexes to show acuity of temperature sensation and thermoregulatory control. This volume also discusses the measurement of song-learning behavior in birds through ""sensorimotor,"" ""action-based,"" and ""sensory"" methods of learning. This book will be helpful for students, scientists, technicians, and laboratory workers whose work involves experiments that need to be accurately measured.

G Proteins

Steroid hormones are unique compounds in that they are active at the interface of peripheral endocrine events and neural mechanisms. Thus their effects present an important peripheral signaling system to alter brain function. This volume presents state-of-the-art and classical techniques for the study of steroid hormones and their receptors and their effects and actions. - Comprehensive protocols included for the study of Steroid kinetics and metabolism - Steroid receptors - Molecular and cellular effects of steroids - Steroid effects on integrated systems