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The autonomic reflex arc
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faith that major objectives eventually will be attained. The editors' comments, although they do not summarize the papers of the sections, are interesting summaries of ideas and objectives. They are all worth re~tding. I think this series of volumes will comprise a very valuable record of progress in Japanese neuroscience. Chandler McC. Brooks
The Autonomic Reflex Arc, by A.D. Nozdrachev, 232 pp, Nauka, Leningrad, 1978 (in Russian). During recent years the problems of autonomic nervous system physiology have increasingly attracted the attention of Russian scientists, as well as scientists elsewhere. This growing interest is quite j!lstified since understanding of effective regulation of the functions of visceral organs, the cardiovascular system, respiration, etc. requires comprehension of the morphofunctional organization and c~ntral control of the autonomic nec~ous system. The monograph under review is a successful attempt to present a summary of new developments in our knowledge of this complex. Furthermore, it points out perspectives for future research. Data assembled concerns structure of receptors, mechano- and chemoreception in visceral organs, localization of sensor cells and bodies, and peripheral and central integration of sensory signals. The author has made a thorough analysis of results obtained by electron microscopy, biochemical and biophysical research and has discussed their physiological irrtplications. The author undertock the difficult task of synthesizing, from present informaticn concerning structure and functions, a covcept of the operation of the whole autonomic system and its central control. The monograph contains 6 chapters, 603 references and 62 illustrations. E~ch chapter reviews a separate s,=bdivision of the field and presents conclusions. The first chapter deals "~-ith the histoanatomic organization of the autonomic system. It contair, s a discussion of terminology and presents electron microscopic studies Jf ganglia, peripheral and central structures. The second chapter pr~ents data concerning the, organization of the reflex arc and reflexes of viscer~l and somatic origin. In continuation of this, the author describes methods used n, ro~stration of autonomic reactions in chronic preparations. Attention is paid to "afferent oscillations in autonomic nerves from the viscera". Reversiblo cooling of nerves was used in analyses. Information concerning the functioning of receptor structures, electrical activity in single fibers and nerve trunks from receptors is presented in considerable detail. Oscillations have been emphasized as items of major interest. The third chapter deals primarily with central integrating mechanisms, how afferent signals are handled and efferent discharges initiated. The author treats, not only morphology but also the role of central subdivisions, and the cerebral cortex in particular, tie reports on the role of cerebral cortex and
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subcortical structures in control of the visceral system. Chapter 4 is devoted to the problem of t ~ s m i s s i o n o f excitation to the extramural, ganglia. Anatomical pathways to the pamvertebral and prevertebral ganglia and activity therein are described. ~ e question of cl~ure of reflex arcs at the level of the peripheral ganglia is reviewed. ~ e author sup. I~orts the concept of localized reflexes. The integrative role of ganglia is emphasized. Chapter 5 presents the central part of the monograph, that dealing with rite enteric system: myenteric a n d submucous plexuses. The presence of excitatory and inhibitory neurons affecting intestinal mobility, and the possible :ole of "enteral ganglia" in receiving extraorganic inputs and effecting output to effectors is discussed. The final chapter deals with the biochemicsJ, electrophysiological, biophysical and structural aspects of autonomic neuromuscular transmission. Adrenergic, cholinergic and purinergic endings and actions are cortsidered. In conclusion, it car. be said that a modern review of autonomic nervous system physiology is given. Although the book is in Russian and not readily available, it is as well to know that such comprehensive reviews of recer~t progress are being written. Presented by O.G. Baklavadzyan (Orbeli Institute of Physiology, Armenian Academy of Sciences, Erevan, U.S.S.R.) and rewritten by the Editor
faith that major objectives eventually will be attained. The editors' comments, although they do not summarize the papers of the sections, are interesting summaries of ideas and objectives. They are all worth re~tding. I think this series of volumes will comprise a very valuable record of progress in Japanese neuroscience. Chandler McC. Brooks
The Autonomic Reflex Arc, by A.D. Nozdrachev, 232 pp, Nauka, Leningrad, 1978 (in Russian). During recent years the problems of autonomic nervous system physiology have increasingly attracted the attention of Russian scientists, as well as scientists elsewhere. This growing interest is quite j!lstified since understanding of effective regulation of the functions of visceral organs, the cardiovascular system, respiration, etc. requires comprehension of the morphofunctional organization and c~ntral control of the autonomic nec~ous system. The monograph under review is a successful attempt to present a summary of new developments in our knowledge of this complex. Furthermore, it points out perspectives for future research. Data assembled concerns structure of receptors, mechano- and chemoreception in visceral organs, localization of sensor cells and bodies, and peripheral and central integration of sensory signals. The author has made a thorough analysis of results obtained by electron microscopy, biochemical and biophysical research and has discussed their physiological irrtplications. The author undertock the difficult task of synthesizing, from present informaticn concerning structure and functions, a covcept of the operation of the whole autonomic system and its central control. The monograph contains 6 chapters, 603 references and 62 illustrations. E~ch chapter reviews a separate s,=bdivision of the field and presents conclusions. The first chapter deals "~-ith the histoanatomic organization of the autonomic system. It contair, s a discussion of terminology and presents electron microscopic studies Jf ganglia, peripheral and central structures. The second chapter pr~ents data concerning the, organization of the reflex arc and reflexes of viscer~l and somatic origin. In continuation of this, the author describes methods used n, ro~stration of autonomic reactions in chronic preparations. Attention is paid to "afferent oscillations in autonomic nerves from the viscera". Reversiblo cooling of nerves was used in analyses. Information concerning the functioning of receptor structures, electrical activity in single fibers and nerve trunks from receptors is presented in considerable detail. Oscillations have been emphasized as items of major interest. The third chapter deals primarily with central integrating mechanisms, how afferent signals are handled and efferent discharges initiated. The author treats, not only morphology but also the role of central subdivisions, and the cerebral cortex in particular, tie reports on the role of cerebral cortex and
112
subcortical structures in control of the visceral system. Chapter 4 is devoted to the problem of t ~ s m i s s i o n o f excitation to the extramural, ganglia. Anatomical pathways to the pamvertebral and prevertebral ganglia and activity therein are described. ~ e question of cl~ure of reflex arcs at the level of the peripheral ganglia is reviewed. ~ e author sup. I~orts the concept of localized reflexes. The integrative role of ganglia is emphasized. Chapter 5 presents the central part of the monograph, that dealing with rite enteric system: myenteric a n d submucous plexuses. The presence of excitatory and inhibitory neurons affecting intestinal mobility, and the possible :ole of "enteral ganglia" in receiving extraorganic inputs and effecting output to effectors is discussed. The final chapter deals with the biochemicsJ, electrophysiological, biophysical and structural aspects of autonomic neuromuscular transmission. Adrenergic, cholinergic and purinergic endings and actions are cortsidered. In conclusion, it car. be said that a modern review of autonomic nervous system physiology is given. Although the book is in Russian and not readily available, it is as well to know that such comprehensive reviews of recer~t progress are being written. Presented by O.G. Baklavadzyan (Orbeli Institute of Physiology, Armenian Academy of Sciences, Erevan, U.S.S.R.) and rewritten by the Editor