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Chemical transmission in the brain — The role of amines, amino acids and peptides
Journal of the NeurologicalSciences, 1984, 64:219-223
219
Elsevier
Book Reviews
Chemical Transmission in the Brain - - The Role of Amines, Amino Acids and Peptides ( P r o g r e s s in B r a i n R e s e a r c h , Vol. 55), by R . M . Buijs, P. P 6 v e t a n d D . F . S w a a b (Eds.), xiv + 490 pages, E l s e v i e r B i o m e d i c a l Press, A m s t e r d a m , 1982, Dfl. 220.00, U S $ 93.50. This book consists of a collection of 29 chapters divided in the following sections: (I) Aminergic, amino acid and peptidergic pathways and their possible function; (II) Transmitter release; (III) Action of neurotransmitters; and (IV) Neurotransmitters and brain functions. The publication is the result of a summer school of Brain Research held in the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences under the auspices of the European Training Programme in Brain and Behaviour Research. The aim of this gathering was to review some of the fundamental ideas of chemical transmission in the light of new biochemical and anatomical information. The focus of the chapters vary widely from general reviews of a particular subject to research reports. Despite the differential focus of the contributions the book provides a rather wide and comprehensive view of the most investigated aspects related to chemical transmission in connection with the organisation of the central nervous system. Most chapters contain abundant background information and are very well referenced. Although most of the material discussed relates to mammalian nervous system there are incidental examples of studies of chemical transmission in other vertebrates and invertebrates. The last section of the book attempts to cover the relationship between transmitter and defined higher functions and this section might prove to be of interest to neurologists. Perhaps the most interesting aspects of the book can be found in the discussions which followed the presentations which are fully transcribed. These provide a good insight on current ideas and doubts about aspects dealt with during the course. As is characteristic of this Elsevier series, the book has been printed on good quality glossy paper which benefits micrograph reproductions. The major pitfall of the book, as for any of this type, is the relatively short life due to the fast evolution of this field. It would, nevertheless, be a useful addition to Departmental libraries. A.C. CUELLO
Henri Gastaut and the Marseilles School's Contribution to the Neurosciences ( P r o c e e d i n g s o f the 25th a n d F i n a l C o l l o q u e d e Marseille, 1-5 S e p t e m b e r , 1980) ( E l e c t r o e n c e p h a l o g r a p h y a n d C l i n i c a l N e u r o p h y s i o l o g y , S u p p l e m e n t N o . 35), xx + 447 pages, E l s e v i e r B i o m e d i c a l Press, A m s t e r d a m , 1982, Dfl. 280.00, U S $ 1 3 0 . 2 5 . This beautifully printed volume represents the enormous contribution to Neurosciences made by Henri Gastaut and his co-workers over more than a quarter of a century. The annual "Colloques de Marseille" attracted scientists and clinicians from the whole world and inspired a new specialty in the field of epilepsy. The tremendous energy of Gastaut, his skills and inventive mind, his friendly enthusiasm and international contacts, made him a leader who combined observations, ideas and new terminology, particularly in the field of"epileptology". Although this term is disliked by many neurologists, particularly in Britain, it is now becoming accepted not only in France but also in the many other countries. This book begins with an original paper by Gastaut on "Benign of functional (versus organic) epilepsies in different stages of life". Although this concept emerged many years ago it is now presented with 0022-510X/84/$03.00 © 1984 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.
219
Elsevier
Book Reviews
Chemical Transmission in the Brain - - The Role of Amines, Amino Acids and Peptides ( P r o g r e s s in B r a i n R e s e a r c h , Vol. 55), by R . M . Buijs, P. P 6 v e t a n d D . F . S w a a b (Eds.), xiv + 490 pages, E l s e v i e r B i o m e d i c a l Press, A m s t e r d a m , 1982, Dfl. 220.00, U S $ 93.50. This book consists of a collection of 29 chapters divided in the following sections: (I) Aminergic, amino acid and peptidergic pathways and their possible function; (II) Transmitter release; (III) Action of neurotransmitters; and (IV) Neurotransmitters and brain functions. The publication is the result of a summer school of Brain Research held in the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences under the auspices of the European Training Programme in Brain and Behaviour Research. The aim of this gathering was to review some of the fundamental ideas of chemical transmission in the light of new biochemical and anatomical information. The focus of the chapters vary widely from general reviews of a particular subject to research reports. Despite the differential focus of the contributions the book provides a rather wide and comprehensive view of the most investigated aspects related to chemical transmission in connection with the organisation of the central nervous system. Most chapters contain abundant background information and are very well referenced. Although most of the material discussed relates to mammalian nervous system there are incidental examples of studies of chemical transmission in other vertebrates and invertebrates. The last section of the book attempts to cover the relationship between transmitter and defined higher functions and this section might prove to be of interest to neurologists. Perhaps the most interesting aspects of the book can be found in the discussions which followed the presentations which are fully transcribed. These provide a good insight on current ideas and doubts about aspects dealt with during the course. As is characteristic of this Elsevier series, the book has been printed on good quality glossy paper which benefits micrograph reproductions. The major pitfall of the book, as for any of this type, is the relatively short life due to the fast evolution of this field. It would, nevertheless, be a useful addition to Departmental libraries. A.C. CUELLO
Henri Gastaut and the Marseilles School's Contribution to the Neurosciences ( P r o c e e d i n g s o f the 25th a n d F i n a l C o l l o q u e d e Marseille, 1-5 S e p t e m b e r , 1980) ( E l e c t r o e n c e p h a l o g r a p h y a n d C l i n i c a l N e u r o p h y s i o l o g y , S u p p l e m e n t N o . 35), xx + 447 pages, E l s e v i e r B i o m e d i c a l Press, A m s t e r d a m , 1982, Dfl. 280.00, U S $ 1 3 0 . 2 5 . This beautifully printed volume represents the enormous contribution to Neurosciences made by Henri Gastaut and his co-workers over more than a quarter of a century. The annual "Colloques de Marseille" attracted scientists and clinicians from the whole world and inspired a new specialty in the field of epilepsy. The tremendous energy of Gastaut, his skills and inventive mind, his friendly enthusiasm and international contacts, made him a leader who combined observations, ideas and new terminology, particularly in the field of"epileptology". Although this term is disliked by many neurologists, particularly in Britain, it is now becoming accepted not only in France but also in the many other countries. This book begins with an original paper by Gastaut on "Benign of functional (versus organic) epilepsies in different stages of life". Although this concept emerged many years ago it is now presented with 0022-510X/84/$03.00 © 1984 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.