Download or read book Peptide and Amino Acid Transport Mechanisms in the Central Nervous System written by Ljubiša Rakić and published by Stockton Press. This book was released on 1988 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Addresses the regulation, within the brain extracellular fluid, of peptide and amino acid levels, particularly neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Particular attention is devoted to the way in which peptides may either penetrate the blood-brain barrier or alter its permeability to other solutes. Focuses on central nervous system disease, especially in designing drugs and agents which will penetrate the blood-brain barrier and expert central nervous actions. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Download or read book Peptide Transport and Delivery into the Central Nervous System written by Laszlo Prokai and published by Birkhäuser. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hypo- or hypersecretion, alteration in storage, release, catabolism, and post-translational processing of neuropeptides are associated with the etiology of many diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Various peptides native to the brain and the spinal cord, as well as various synthetic peptides, peptide analogues and peptidomimetics developed as their agonists or antagonists could be useful in the treatment of these CNS maladies. However, peptides face a formidable obstacle in reaching the intended site of action due to the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a vital element in the regulation of the internal environment of the brain and the spinal cord. After reviews on the role and neuropharmaceutical potential of peptides, properties of the BBB in the context of peptide transport in the CNS and potential transport mechanisms to cross the BBB, this volume discusses the development, present state-of-the-art and future trends of various strategies to overcome this major obstacle to peptide pharmacotherapy involving the CNS. Chapters are devoted to cover invasive approaches that circumvent the BBB by direct administration into the brain or the spinal cord and by transiently opening the tight junctions of or permeabilizing the endothelial cells separating the systemic circulation from the interstitial fluid of the CNS. Subsequently, physiologically based strategies that utilize biological carriers to gain access to the CNS are discussed in detail, followed by methods encompassing prodrug and chemical delivery/targeting strategies, which aim at altering the properties of the peptide to enhance BBB transport, and drug delivery strategies based on peptide vectors. Finally, a comparative evaluation on the present status and perspectives of the techniques is presented.
Download or read book The Blood Brain Barrier Amino Acids and Peptides written by M. Segal and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Definition of the barrier The interstitial fluid (rSF) of the brain is separated from the blood by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier must not be thought of as a single entity or as an absolute restriction to all molecules, but as a multiple structure located at several sites within the brain. The first of these interfaces is located at the endothelium of the brain capillaries. Secondly there is a potential site for interchange on the outer linings of the brain between the dura and the arachnoid membranes. Thirdly, there are the choroid plexuses and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which is in contact with the very permeable internal ependymal lining of the brain (Figure 1. 1). Finally there are areas of the brain which lack a blood-brain barrier. These areas constitute the circumventricu lar organs and have leaky capillaries with a barrier at the ependyma which limits the spread of molecules from those regions (Figure 1. 2). Each of these BBB sites has its own characteristic permeability and transport functions. We will now consider the properties of each of these barrier sites between the blood and the brain. THE CEREBRAL CAPILLARY ENDOTHELIUM Morphology This interface has both the largest surface area and the shortest path length between the blood and the brain rSF. The cerebral capillaries, which at first sight seem little different from the rest of the systemic circulation, are in fact unique to the brain.
Download or read book The Role of Protein and Amino Acids in Sustaining and Enhancing Performance written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1999-09-15 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. However, the evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop on such topics as, the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function, alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection, the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.
Download or read book Transport Phenomena in the Nervous System written by Giulio Levi and published by Springer. This book was released on 1976-05 with total page 578 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is more recently becoming increasingly clear, however, that the homeostatic equilibrium, and its physiological and pathological changes, are governed by a complex set of mechanisms residing heterogeneously in a complex set of membranes. Mechanisms residing in the capillary endothelium are of importance - especially in short term penetration studies of administered substances from blood to brain; the physiological and pathological equilibria are likely to be more influenced and governed by mechanisms residing in neuronal, glial, nuclear, and lysosomal membranes, to name a few. For functional importance in turn, mechanisms residing in mitochondrial and synaptosomal membranes are of crucial importance, for transport out of the system those present in choroid plexus among others have to be studied.
Download or read book Glutamate Related Biomarkers in Drug Development for Disorders of the Nervous System written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2011-08-05 with total page 74 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Glutamate is the most pervasive neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite this fact, no validated biological markers, or biomarkers, currently exist for measuring glutamate pathology in CNS disorders or injuries. Glutamate dysfunction has been associated with an extensive range of nervous system diseases and disorders. Problems with how the neurotransmitter glutamate functions in the brain have been linked to a wide variety of disorders, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury. These conditions are widespread, affecting a large portion of the United States population, and remain difficult to treat. Efforts to understand, treat, and prevent glutamate-related disorders can be aided by the identification of valid biomarkers. The Institute of Medicine's Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders held a workshop on June 21-22, 2010, to explore ways to accelerate the development, validation, and implementation of such biomarkers. Glutamate-Related Biomarkers in Drug Development for Disorders of the Nervous System: Workshop Summary investigates promising current and emerging technologies, and outlines strategies to procure resources and tools to advance drug development for associated nervous system disorders. Moreover, this report highlights presentations by expert panelists, and the open panel discussions that occurred during the workshop.
Download or read book Neurotransmitter Receptors written by Sam J. Enna and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-12-11 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since the discovery that neuronal transmission can be chemically mediated, a large number of compounds have been found in the mammalian central nervous system which appear to function as neurotransmitter agents. Recently, electrophysiological and biochemical methods have been developed which have enabled neuroscientists to classify better the myriad of neurotransmitter receptor sites in brain and to study their properties in finer detail. As a result of these investigations, a significant number of new discoveries have been made about the mechanisms involved in neurotransmitter receptor interactions, the role neurotransmitters play in the actions of pharmacological agents and in the pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric disorders. The present two volume text was compiled to summarize the information relating to the physiological, biochemical, pharmacological and functional characteristics of neurotransmitter receptor sites. While emphasis is placed on neurotransmitter receptors in the mammalian central nervous system, the characteristics of these receptors in other species, both vertebrate and invertebrate, are also discussed where appropriate. While these books cover the major classes of putative neurotransmitters - amino acids, peptides and biogenic amines - and are therefore broad in scope, each is discussed in a concise fashion to highlight the major points of historical and contemporary interest. In addition to outlining data, each chapter addresses current theories relating to the various aspects of receptor properties and function in an attempt to reveal the directions of future research and as a stimulus for other workers in the field.
Download or read book Nutritional Modulation of Neural Function written by John E. Morley and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2012-12-02 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nutritional Modulation of Neural Function probes into the mechanisms by which ingested foods can exert such influences and modulate neuronal function. The compendium is based on the meeting held in Santa Barbara, California, in March 1986, under the aegis of the Brain Research Institute of the University of California, Los Angeles. The papers in the book examines topics such as the effects of food on the release of peptide hormones from the gastrointestinal tract and the effect of these peptides on central nervous system function; the mechanisms by which mammals regulate ingestive behaviors; food myths and the effects of various nutritional components to behavior and mental functioning; the evidence that glucose can modulate opioid receptors and alter a number of opioid-dependent behaviors; and the role of zinc metabolism in limbic system structures in the pathogenesis of seizures. Neurologists, pathologists, and researchers in the field of medicine will find the text very insightful.
Download or read book Molecular Biology of the Cell written by and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Localizations and Concentrations of Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter Proteins in the Central Nervous System written by Knut Petter D. Lehre and published by . This book was released on 1999 with total page 29 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Introduction to Neuropsychopharmacology written by Leslie Iversen and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2009 with total page 568 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The text ranges from drugs that affect the mood and behavior to hypnotics, narcotics, anticonvulsants, and analgesics, as well as a variety of drugs that affect the autonomic nervous system and psychoactive drugs used for non-medical reasons - nicotine, alcohol, opiates, psychostimulants and cannabis."--BOOK JACKET.
Download or read book Blood brain Barrier Shuttles written by Pol Arranz Gibert and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The work of this thesis is based on research on peptides able to cross the blood-brain barrier and their use as tools to enable the delivery of drugs into the brain. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a permeable but selective barrier that tightly regulates the transport into the central nervous system (CNS). In this regard, therapeutic treatments at the CNS are hampered by the presence of this barrier (BBB). Thus, diverse strategies have been developed to overcome it. Blood-brain barrier shuttles are peptides able to cross this barrier and deliver drugs into the brain. Peptides are privileged structures from the therapeutic point of view, they share properties from small organic molecules and large biologics: the synthesis through solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) enables a straightforward method to obtain them with high purity and at the same time they can be purified and characterized like small organic compound. In addition, their structure is present in nature and thus the risk of toxicity is lower or more predictable compared with organic compounds, and their larger structure enables to obtain more selective and stronger interactions with targets. In addition, peptides have been shown to cross the BBB by diverse transport mechanisms and thus enabling to select the best one for each therapy and drug. In this thesis a family of BBB shuttles crossing by passive diffusion (based on phenylproline) have been improved from a parent peptide shuttle (based on N-methyl-phenylalanine). The solubility was three orders of magnitude superior and the transport capacity was maintained upon cargo attachment. In addition, the role of stereochemistry in passive diffusion in biological membranes was demonstrated. A method which combined the use of MALDI-TOF MS and in vitro cell-based models of the BBB enabled the increase in sensitivity for transport quantification of three orders of magnitude compared to RP-HPLC-PDA. Additionally, a BBB shuttle library was evaluated and quantified by this novel methodology. Two new analogs showed better performance when evaluated in these in vitro cell-based models. Immunogenicity of BBB shuttle peptides made by L- or D-amino acids was evaluated and compared. Both peptide shuttles showed low immunogenic response in mice, however, the response to those made with D- amino acids was lower. Finally, the applicability of these peptide shuttles for a therapeutic use was considered for Friedreich's Ataxia, a monogenic recessive disease. Both a protein replacement therapy and a gene therapy for the central nervous system were attempted by coupling covalently BBB shuttles to the affected protein or viruses, respectively. The protein replacement therapy was impeded by the high rate of proteolysis of the protein used. On the other hand, novel methods of conjugation of BBB shuttles into enveloped viruses (Herpes simplex Virus type 1; HSV- 1) were developed. These modified viral particles were subsequently characterized through a range of methods comprising molecular biology tools (SDS-PAGE, western blots), proteomics (mass spectrometry) and biophysical tools (dynamic light scattering and z-potential)". -- TDX.
Download or read book Astrocytes and Epilepsy written by Jacqueline A. Hubbard and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2016-07-05 with total page 395 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Epilepsy is a devastating group of neurological disorders characterized by periodic and unpredictable seizure activity in the brain. There is a critical need for new drugs and approaches given than at least one-third of all epilepsy patients are not made free of seizures by existing medications and become "medically refractory". Much of epilepsy research has focused on neuronal therapeutic targets, but current antiepileptic drugs often cause severe cognitive, developmental, and behavioral side effects. Recent findings indicate a critical contribution of astrocytes, star-shaped glial cells in the brain, to neuronal and network excitability and seizure activity. Furthermore, many important cellular and molecular changes occur in astrocytes in epileptic tissue in both humans and animal models of epilepsy. The goal of Astrocytes and Epilepsy is to comprehensively review exciting findings linking changes in astrocytes to functional changes responsible for epilepsy for the first time in book format. These insights into astrocyte contribution to seizure susceptibility indicate that astrocytes may represent an important new therapeutic target in the control of epilepsy. Astrocytes and Epilepsy includes background explanatory text on astrocyte morphology and physiology, epilepsy models and syndromes, and evidence from both human tissue studies and animal models linking functional changes in astrocytes to epilepsy. Beautifully labelled diagrams are presented and relevant figures from the literature are reproduced to elucidate key findings and concepts in this rapidly emerging field. Astrocytes and Epilepsy is written for neuroscientists, epilepsy researchers, astrocyte investigators as well as neurologists and other specialists caring for patients with epilepsy. - Presents the first comprehensive book to synthesize historical and recent research on astrocytes and epilepsy into one coherent volume - Provides a great resource on the field of astrocyte biology and astrocyte-neuron interactions - Details potential therapeutic targets, including chapters on gap junctions, water and potassium channels, glutamate and adenosine metabolism, and inflammation
Download or read book Food Components to Enhance Performance written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1994-02-01 with total page 560 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The physiological or psychological stresses that employees bring to their workplace affect not only their own performance but that of their co-workers and others. These stresses are often compounded by those of the job itself. Medical personnel, firefighters, police, and military personnel in combat settingsâ€"among othersâ€"experience highly unpredictable timing and types of stressors. This book reviews and comments on the performance-enhancing potential of specific food components. It reflects the views of military and non-military scientists from such fields as neuroscience, nutrition, physiology, various medical specialties, and performance psychology on the most up-to-date research available on physical and mental performance enhancement in stressful conditions. Although placed within the context of military tasks, the volume will have wide-reaching implications for individuals in any job setting.
Download or read book Drug Delivery to the Central Nervous System written by Kewal K. Jain and published by Humana Press. This book was released on 2009-12-17 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Playing an important role in the treatment of neurological disorders, the delivery of drugs to central nervous system (CNS), both administered directly and administered systematically for targeted action, encounters a major challenge in the form of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which limits the access of drugs to the brain substance. In Drug Delivery to the Central Nervous System, experts in the field present essential methods used to deliver therapeutics across the BBB, both in experimental animals and in humans. In addition to those methods, several overviews of innovative methods and their applications are presented in order to give a glimpse of the future of this research. As a volume in the successful Neuromethods series, this book presents its protocols with the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Drug Delivery to the Central Nervous System serves as an ideal guide to scientists continuing to pursue knowledge of the delicate interactions between pharmaceuticals and the brain.
Download or read book Neurotransmitter Release written by Hugo J. Bellen and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 1999 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides the reader with background information on neurotransmitter release. Emphasis is placed on the rationale by which proteins are assigned specific functions rather than just providing facts about function.
Download or read book Water Soluble Vitamins written by Olaf Stanger and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2011-11-27 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The discovery of vitamins in the early 1900s, their later chemical characterization and the clarification of pivotal metabolic functions are sequential aspects of a brilliant chapter in the history of modern nutritional sciences and medicine. The name, derived from “vital-amines”, indicates their elementary metabolic key functions in human metabolism. Vitamins are truly families of compounds, which include precursors and various free and bound forms, all with individual roles in metabolism and function. A more recent approach therefore searches for the components, the understanding of their roles in physiology and pathology as well as looking for novel pharmacological applications. When used properly, vitamins are, indeed, “magical” substances. Due to their efficacy, they should therefore be regarded as drugs with effects and side effects to be weighted against each other. Today, it is not the previously fatal deficiency-associated diseases that are in the focus of interest, but rather the relation of suboptimal vitamin bioavailability to chronic disease. This is complicated by genetic susceptibility, lifestyle, and the presence or absence of health-compromising habits, such as smoking. In turn, the development and application of new and more sensitive and specific assays further enable us to look more closely into the many functions of vitamins. Water soluble vitamins are complex molecular structures and even today, many areas in vitamin biochemistry are not yet fully understood. Novel effects and functions of vitamins remain and continue to be discovered. This book presents most recent research results and fascinating new knowledge on the role and effects of the water soluble vitamins in man. Some of the most distinguished chemists, biochemists, biologists and clinicians have contributed valuable chapters sharing unexpected novel insights into the biochemistry, (epi)genetics, metabolism, and function of water soluble vitamins, with their potential for clinical applications. Thus, physicians, clinicians, scientists, researchers, epidemiologists. nutritional specialists and health professionals alike will find stimulating and fascinating new insight in the many roles that water soluble vitamins play in human health and disease.
