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Overview
This is the first book about both normal development of the nervous system and how early exposure to alcohol and nicotine interferes with this development. The developing nervous system is highly dynamic and vulnerable to genetic and epigenetic factors that can be additive or synergistic. Disruption of normal brain development leads to an array of developmental disorders. One of the most common of these is mental retardation, the prime cause of which is prenatal exposure to alcohol. As chapters in this book show, alcohol has direct effects on the developing neural system and it affects genetic regulation. Another common neurotoxin is nicotine, and it is discussed in this book for three reasons: (1) the number of adolescents who smoke cigarettes is rising in some populations; (2) prenatal exposure to nicotine affects neurotransmitter systems that are critical for normal brain development and cognition; and (3) prenatal exposure to nicotine is often accompanied by prenatal exposure to alcohol.LThe mature brain is the culmination of an orderly sequence of the basic ontogenetic processes—cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and death. Neural stem cells and progenitors proliferate in discrete sites; then, young neurons migrate long distances to their residences where they form neural networks. During this sequence many immature cells die, presumably eliminating unsuitable or non-competitive cells. Each process is regulated by genetic and environmental factors. When this regulation goes awry, a dysmorphic and dysfunctional brain results. Though this can be tragic in clinical settings, in experimental contexts it provides keen insight into normal brain development.LThe book is divided into three parts. The first describes neural ontogeny in the normal brain. The second and third deal with the consequences of early exposure to alcohol and nicotine. Though there are similarities in the effects of these two toxins, there are also intriguing differences. The commonalities reflect the plasticity and resilience of the developing brain while the differences point to the targeted effects of the two toxins. Exploring these effects brings a richer appreciation of brain development. The book will be of interest to neuroscientists, developmental biologists, teratologists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, and to their students and trainees.
Synopsis
This is the first book about both normal development of the nervous system and how early exposure to alcohol and nicotine interferes with this development. The developing nervous system is highly dynamic and vulnerable to genetic and epigenetic factors that can be additive or synergistic. Disruption of normal brain development leads to an array of developmental disorders. One of the most common of these is mental retardation, the prime cause of which is prenatal exposure to alcohol. As chapters in this book show, alcohol has direct effects on the developing neural system and it affects genetic regulation. Another common neurotoxin is nicotine, and it is discussed in this book for three reasons: (1) the number of adolescents who smoke cigarettes is rising in some populations; (2) prenatal exposure to nicotine affects neurotransmitter systems that are critical for normal brain development and cognition; and (3) prenatal exposure to nicotine is often accompanied by prenatal exposure to alcohol.LThe mature brain is the culmination of an orderly sequence of the basic ontogenetic processes—cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and death. Neural stem cells and progenitors proliferate in discrete sites; then, young neurons migrate long distances to their residences where they form neural networks. During this sequence many immature cells die, presumably eliminating unsuitable or non-competitive cells. Each process is regulated by genetic and environmental factors. When this regulation goes awry, a dysmorphic and dysfunctional brain results. Though this can be tragic in clinical settings, in experimental contexts it provides keen insight into normal brain development.LThe book is divided into three parts. The first describes neural ontogeny in the normal brain. The second and third deal with the consequences of early exposure to alcohol and nicotine. Though there are similarities in the effects of these two toxins, there are also intriguing differences. The commonalities reflect the plasticity and resilience of the developing brain while the differences point to the targeted effects of the two toxins. Exploring these effects brings a richer appreciation of brain development. The book will be of interest to neuroscientists, developmental biologists, teratologists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, and to their students and trainees.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Scott D Phillips, MD(University of Colorado School of Medicine)
Description:This book first reviews the normal process of brain development, then details the pathophysiology and neurotoxicity of ethanol on brain development, and concludes with a detailed look at the effects of nicotine on brain development.
Purpose:The purpose was to contrast normal brain development, and the effects of alcohol and nicotine on the growing brain. With the marked prevalence of ethanol and nicotine abuse in our society, this is a welcome review of the topic. The book accomplishes these goals and provides an excellent review of the topics that will be useful to many physicians and scientists.
Audience:This in-depth book is most suitable for practitioners or researchers in the field of alcohol and nicotine developmental effects. The chapter authors have extensive research experience.
Features:The introductory section on normal development is important to help readers get up to speed on the topic. The authors then take readers through epidemiological considerations of alcohol and nicotine use and include a discussion on socioeconomic status and the interplay in development. At the end of each chapter there is a useful listing of abbreviations. This is a very detailed and in-depth look at the topic and may be too technical for some readers. However, for the targeted audience, it is an excellent review.
Assessment:This excellent book will be very useful to many readers including pediatricians, toxicologists, substance abuse specialists, researchers, and many others.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Scott D Phillips, MD(University of Colorado School of Medicine)Description: This book first reviews the normal process of brain development, then details the pathophysiology and neurotoxicity of ethanol on brain development, and concludes with a detailed look at the effects of nicotine on brain development.
Purpose: The purpose was to contrast normal brain development, and the effects of alcohol and nicotine on the growing brain. With the marked prevalence of ethanol and nicotine abuse in our society, this is a welcome review of the topic. The book accomplishes these goals and provides an excellent review of the topics that will be useful to many physicians and scientists.
Audience: This in-depth book is most suitable for practitioners or researchers in the field of alcohol and nicotine developmental effects. The chapter authors have extensive research experience.
Features: The introductory section on normal development is important to help readers get up to speed on the topic. The authors then take readers through epidemiological considerations of alcohol and nicotine use and include a discussion on socioeconomic status and the interplay in development. At the end of each chapter there is a useful listing of abbreviations. This is a very detailed and in-depth look at the topic and may be too technical for some readers. However, for the targeted audience, it is an excellent review.
Assessment: This excellent book will be very useful to many readers including pediatricians, toxicologists, substance abuse specialists, researchers, and many others.