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Epileptogenic and excitotoxic mechanisms
460
BOOK REVIEWS
R e a d e r s who are not deeply involved in the specific topics presented may choose to read selectively and get an overview of the topic at hand rather than get bogged down in theoretical detail. It is worth mentioning that the authors, in general, have tried to make their work understandable and interesting, despite the highly technical nature of some of the work. In summary, this volume offers an exciting overview, often in exquisite detail, of where computational neuroscience stands at this instant, and where it is likely headed in the near future. The book is certainly worth examining, and will likely provide scientists involved in any of its related fields a multitude of new ideas to apply to their work. Brian Litt
Department of Neurology, Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, MD (USA)
The vestibulo-ocular reflex and vertigo. - J.A. Sharpe and H.O. Barber (Eds.) (Raven Press, New York, 1993, 416 p., Price US $115.00) This book, written by acknowledged authorities in this field, contains 5 sections and 33 chapters on the vestibular system, i.e., the vestibulo-ocular and otolithic-ocular reflex and its defects. The 5 sections comprise (I) basic anatomy and physiology of the vestibuloocular reflex, (II) basic and clinical aspects of the otolithic-ocular reflex, ( l i d smooth pursuit system and visual vestibular interactions, (IV) an overview and review of nystagmus, and (V) diagnosis and treatment of vertigo. As seen in the section headings, the authors place a high value on the understanding of the physiology of the vestibular system. Approximately two-thirds of the book are devoted to physiology which might be too basic for some clinicians. With the exception of one personal opinion, i.e., that the ocular counterroll reflex mediated by the otoliths is a response of the saccadic system, all chapters are extremely well supported by a critical review of the existing literature. The clinical sections are well organized and of high quality. The sections on the peripheral vestibular system and its diseases, which are presented very clearly, would be of use to every neurologist. The central vestibular disorders, mainly represented in the chapters "Vertebro-basilar ischemia" and "Migraine and vertigo," might be slightly underrepresented since some frequent central vertigo syndromes are described in the nystagmus chapter. Short chapters on vascular compression and rehabilitation do not reach the high standard of the book, but overall the text is balanced and of high quality. This book is r e c o m m e n d e d for vestibular physiologists and neurologists who care for patients with vertigo. Marianne Dieterich
Neurologische Uniu. Klinik, Munich (Germany)
Against Epilepsy, and held in Erice, Italy in the winter of 1992. The goal of the book is a summary of basic mechanisms of epilepsies. There is a predominance of physiological material in the book, but neurochemical, neuroanatomical, neuropharmacological and developmental chapters are also included. Dr. La Grutta briefly sets the stage of the clinical problem and then gives a short review of certain specialized propagation pathways involving basal ganglia in animal models of the epilepsies. The initial chapter by Mutani and coworkers reviews animal models of the epilepsies, using an empirical grouping of models. David Prince presents a masterful overview of the cellular electrophysiology of epilepsy. He considers the role of intrinsic m e m b r a n e currents that generate bursts in neurons in the context of changes in excitatory and inhibitory potentials, neuronal synchronization and mechanisms of interictal-ictal transitions. Prof. Avanzini then reviews generalized epileptogenesis. Recent physiologic studies have emphasized the importance of rhythmical bursting neurons in thalamus. Fariello reviews the mechanisms of seizures and antiepileptic drugs, starting before the dawn of man. The mechanisms of antiepileptic drugs are then analyzed with respect to underlying actions on G A B A neurotransmitter systems, excitatory amino acids and ionic channels such as the sodium channel. Individual drugs are not considered in detail, and the review is geared more towards basic science underpinnings than to practical advice. Avoli and Hwa examine the physiology and pharmacology of G A B A - m e d i a t e d potentials. The migrational patterns of cortical neurons during embryogenesis is next reviewed. Although "excitotoxic mechanisms" is part of the book title, only the chapter by Wasterlain and Sankar explicitly addresses excitotoxicity. In the immature rat brain, the concentration of glutamate and associated enzymes is relatively lower than in adult animals. The N M D A receptor is present at birth and grows in the first two weeks of life to double the density found in adult brain. This may relate to learning and plasticity at a key age. Additionally, neonatal brain may have less of a capacity to transport glucose and to protect itself against metabolic stress. G A B A and glutamate are of course not the only neurotransmitters involved in epilepsy. Vezzani and associates examine the role of noradrenergic and peptidergic neurotransmission in the kindling model of epilepsy. Curtis, Pare and Llinfis develop a sophisticated exposition of the guinea pig hippocampal slice model. Mosh6's group then provides a more detailed chapter on kindling in developing animals. Immature animals are more susceptible to develop kindling, and developmental studies of kindling may partially explain the different susceptibility and types of seizures seen at different ages. H e i n e m a n n and colleagues review the roles of various ions in epileptogenesis, with special emphasis on potassium and calcium currents. This book is successful at meeting its goals in that it provides a current and expert review of findings pertaining to the physiology and neuropharmacology of epileptogenesis. It is not a book for beginners, and background knowledge of this field is a requirement to appreciate the presented material. The book is more a collection of individual chapters than a coherent whole. Presentation of the material: printing, figures, and referencing are all excellent. This volume should be read by researchers interested in mechanisms of the epilepsies and should be on their shelves as a "snapshot" of some of the most advanced thinking in the field today.
Epileptogenic and excitotoxic mechanisms. - G. Avanzini, R. Fariello, U. Heinemann and R. Mutani (Eds.) (John Libbey, London, 1993, 158 p., Price £32)
Robert S. Fisher
This book is a summary of the proceedings of the second advanced course in epileptology sponsored by the Italian League
Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ (USA)
BOOK REVIEWS
R e a d e r s who are not deeply involved in the specific topics presented may choose to read selectively and get an overview of the topic at hand rather than get bogged down in theoretical detail. It is worth mentioning that the authors, in general, have tried to make their work understandable and interesting, despite the highly technical nature of some of the work. In summary, this volume offers an exciting overview, often in exquisite detail, of where computational neuroscience stands at this instant, and where it is likely headed in the near future. The book is certainly worth examining, and will likely provide scientists involved in any of its related fields a multitude of new ideas to apply to their work. Brian Litt
Department of Neurology, Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, MD (USA)
The vestibulo-ocular reflex and vertigo. - J.A. Sharpe and H.O. Barber (Eds.) (Raven Press, New York, 1993, 416 p., Price US $115.00) This book, written by acknowledged authorities in this field, contains 5 sections and 33 chapters on the vestibular system, i.e., the vestibulo-ocular and otolithic-ocular reflex and its defects. The 5 sections comprise (I) basic anatomy and physiology of the vestibuloocular reflex, (II) basic and clinical aspects of the otolithic-ocular reflex, ( l i d smooth pursuit system and visual vestibular interactions, (IV) an overview and review of nystagmus, and (V) diagnosis and treatment of vertigo. As seen in the section headings, the authors place a high value on the understanding of the physiology of the vestibular system. Approximately two-thirds of the book are devoted to physiology which might be too basic for some clinicians. With the exception of one personal opinion, i.e., that the ocular counterroll reflex mediated by the otoliths is a response of the saccadic system, all chapters are extremely well supported by a critical review of the existing literature. The clinical sections are well organized and of high quality. The sections on the peripheral vestibular system and its diseases, which are presented very clearly, would be of use to every neurologist. The central vestibular disorders, mainly represented in the chapters "Vertebro-basilar ischemia" and "Migraine and vertigo," might be slightly underrepresented since some frequent central vertigo syndromes are described in the nystagmus chapter. Short chapters on vascular compression and rehabilitation do not reach the high standard of the book, but overall the text is balanced and of high quality. This book is r e c o m m e n d e d for vestibular physiologists and neurologists who care for patients with vertigo. Marianne Dieterich
Neurologische Uniu. Klinik, Munich (Germany)
Against Epilepsy, and held in Erice, Italy in the winter of 1992. The goal of the book is a summary of basic mechanisms of epilepsies. There is a predominance of physiological material in the book, but neurochemical, neuroanatomical, neuropharmacological and developmental chapters are also included. Dr. La Grutta briefly sets the stage of the clinical problem and then gives a short review of certain specialized propagation pathways involving basal ganglia in animal models of the epilepsies. The initial chapter by Mutani and coworkers reviews animal models of the epilepsies, using an empirical grouping of models. David Prince presents a masterful overview of the cellular electrophysiology of epilepsy. He considers the role of intrinsic m e m b r a n e currents that generate bursts in neurons in the context of changes in excitatory and inhibitory potentials, neuronal synchronization and mechanisms of interictal-ictal transitions. Prof. Avanzini then reviews generalized epileptogenesis. Recent physiologic studies have emphasized the importance of rhythmical bursting neurons in thalamus. Fariello reviews the mechanisms of seizures and antiepileptic drugs, starting before the dawn of man. The mechanisms of antiepileptic drugs are then analyzed with respect to underlying actions on G A B A neurotransmitter systems, excitatory amino acids and ionic channels such as the sodium channel. Individual drugs are not considered in detail, and the review is geared more towards basic science underpinnings than to practical advice. Avoli and Hwa examine the physiology and pharmacology of G A B A - m e d i a t e d potentials. The migrational patterns of cortical neurons during embryogenesis is next reviewed. Although "excitotoxic mechanisms" is part of the book title, only the chapter by Wasterlain and Sankar explicitly addresses excitotoxicity. In the immature rat brain, the concentration of glutamate and associated enzymes is relatively lower than in adult animals. The N M D A receptor is present at birth and grows in the first two weeks of life to double the density found in adult brain. This may relate to learning and plasticity at a key age. Additionally, neonatal brain may have less of a capacity to transport glucose and to protect itself against metabolic stress. G A B A and glutamate are of course not the only neurotransmitters involved in epilepsy. Vezzani and associates examine the role of noradrenergic and peptidergic neurotransmission in the kindling model of epilepsy. Curtis, Pare and Llinfis develop a sophisticated exposition of the guinea pig hippocampal slice model. Mosh6's group then provides a more detailed chapter on kindling in developing animals. Immature animals are more susceptible to develop kindling, and developmental studies of kindling may partially explain the different susceptibility and types of seizures seen at different ages. H e i n e m a n n and colleagues review the roles of various ions in epileptogenesis, with special emphasis on potassium and calcium currents. This book is successful at meeting its goals in that it provides a current and expert review of findings pertaining to the physiology and neuropharmacology of epileptogenesis. It is not a book for beginners, and background knowledge of this field is a requirement to appreciate the presented material. The book is more a collection of individual chapters than a coherent whole. Presentation of the material: printing, figures, and referencing are all excellent. This volume should be read by researchers interested in mechanisms of the epilepsies and should be on their shelves as a "snapshot" of some of the most advanced thinking in the field today.
Epileptogenic and excitotoxic mechanisms. - G. Avanzini, R. Fariello, U. Heinemann and R. Mutani (Eds.) (John Libbey, London, 1993, 158 p., Price £32)
Robert S. Fisher
This book is a summary of the proceedings of the second advanced course in epileptology sponsored by the Italian League
Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ (USA)