Selective Neurotoxicity

Based on recent progress in neurobioloigy, the hottest topics in this field are discussed in depth! Researchers are provided with well-grounded information on the cellular and subcellular targets of neurotoxins and their mode of action on the level of ion-channels, receptors and neurotransmitters. The use of bacterial toxins as a tool in neuroscientific research is an important aspect in this context. Chapters that are of interest to clinicians as well deal with protective barriers in the peripheral and central nervous system, and metabolic disorders causing neurotxins to be built in the human body. The induction of tumors by neurotropic carcinogens is also included.

Cellular and Subcellular Targets of Neurotoxins: The Concept of Selective Vulnerability.- Protective Barriers in the Peripheral Nervous System to Neurotoxic Agents.- Protective Barriers in the Nervous System Against Neurotoxic Agents: The Blood-Brain Barrier.- Kinetic and Metabolic Disorders of Axoplasmic Transport Induced by Neurotoxic Agents.- Metabolic Disorders as Consequences of Drug-Induced Energy Deficits.- Neurotoxic Synthesis by Enzymatic Error.- Neurotropic Carcinogenesis.- Neurotoxic Phenylalkylamines and Indolealkylamines.- Toxins Affecting the Cholinergic System.- Mechanisms of 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine Induced Destruction of Dopaminergic Neurons.- Tetanus and Botulinum Neurotoxins.- Capsaicin: Selective Toxicity for Thin Primary Sensory Neurons.- Excitotoxins, Glutamate Receptors, and Excitotoxicity.- Convulsants and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptors.- Convulsants Acting at the Inhibitory Glycine Receptor.- Peptide Toxins Acting on the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor.- Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and Low Molecular Weight Toxins.- Neurotoxic Agents Interacting with the Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor.- Peptide Toxins that Alter Neurotransmitter Release.- Sodium Channel Specific Neurotoxins: Recent Advances in the Understanding of Their Molecular Mechanisms.- Potassium Channel Toxins.- Calcium Channel Toxins.- ADP-Ribosylation of Signal-Transducing Guanine Nucleotide Binding Proteins by Cholera and Pertussis Toxin.- Clostridium botulinum C2 Toxin and C. botulinum C3 ADP-Ribosyltransferase.