Methods in Neurosciences, Volume 5: Neuropeptide Technology: Gene Expression and Neuropeptide Receptors discusses procedures and tools of assay useful for the identification, purification, and quantification of neuropeptides and their receptors. This volume is divided into two sections—neuropeptide gene expression and neuropeptide receptors. In these sections, this book specifically discusses the assays for peptide products of somatostatin gene expression; molecular assays for rat thyrotropin-releasing hormone gene; and structure, expression, and chromosomal localization of human gene. The gastrin-releasing peptide or mammalian bombesin; semiquantitative analysis of cellular somatostatin mRNA Levels; and atrial natriuretic factor receptor assays are also elaborated. This text likewise covers the receptors for opioid peptides in brain and autoradiography of somatostatin receptors in rat cerebellum. This publication is beneficial to neuroscientists and students intending to acquire knowledge of gene expression and neuropeptide receptors.

The explosion of research activity in the field of neuropeptides has led to the identification of numerous naturally occurring endogenous peptides which act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, or trophic factors, to mediate nervous system functions. Increasing numbers of non-peptide ligands of neuropeptide receptors have been developed, which act as agonists or antagonists in peptidergic systems. The scope of this new and important book includes gene regulation of peptide expression, peptide receptor subtypes, transgenic and knockout mice with mutations in genes for neuropeptides and peptide receptors, neuroanatomy, physiology, behaviour, neurotrophic factors, preclinical drug evaluation, clinical studies, and clinical trials.

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

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.

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

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. - Cloning - Expression systems - Signal transduction - Structure-function techniques - Antireceptor antibodies - Regulation - 3-D receptor modeling and computational probing

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. - Direct application of PCR to fresh or frozen clinical specimens (e.g., blood and solid tissue) - Complete retrieval of novel expressed genes by PCR without screening a library - Quantitation by PCR - Mutagenesis by PCR - PCR in AIDS research - Simple and effective protocols for PCR on archival specimens

Many of the phospholipases and even the receptor for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate have recently been cloned and sequenced and play an important role in neurotransmission. Methods developed in recent years for the study of the enzymes and intermediates involved in the regulation of neuronal signal transduction involving phospholipid turnover are presented in this volume. - Techniques for examining the role of phosphoinositides in signal transduction - Techniques related to protein kinase C - Analysis of inositol phosphates - Techniques to analyze phospholipid turnover in the brain

This volume focuses on contemporary approaches for delivering experimental and therapeutic agents into the brain. The contributions provide methodological details that are typically not available in the literature. Subtleties and shortcuts critical to each procedure are included to facilitate their use by both the experienced researcher and novice.Highlights* Polymeric, cellular, and molecular drug delivery* Neuropharmacology* Blood-brain barrier* Central nervous system

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, b ...