CNS neurotransmitters and neuromodulators

From The Critics

Reviewer: Thomas H. Jobe, MD(University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description: This volume on neuroactive steroids, part of the CRC series on neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, brings together a broad range of studies and puts together a molecule-to-behavior synthesis that is very comprehensive and expertly written and organized by authorities in their respective fields. Topics include steroids as modulators of amino acid receptor function, regulation of serotonergic function by steroid hormones, modulation of ion channels by steroids, electrophysiological studies of steroid action in the CNS, estrogen effects on neuroplasticity, sexual dimorphism in the CNS and the role of steroids and the steroid control of hypothalamic function, to name a few.
Purpose: The purpose is to give a comprehensive overview of experimental findings in steroid modulation of CNS function. This volume answers questions such as "do sexually dimorphic regions of the CNS retain hormone-dependent plasticity in adulthood?" or "how do glial cells participate in steroid mediated plasticity?"
Audience: This volume is intended for a large audience and, because it is clearly written and is concise in expression, it succeeds in reaching not only those involved in the steroid psychopharmacology but also those in related fields as well as students of neurosciences generally.
Features: This volume is well illustrated and has many excellent graphs and molecular illustrations. Also, nuclear brain areas and their interconnections are well portrayed. The distinction between neurosteroids (steroids produced in the brain only) and neurally active steroids is well illustrated.
Assessment: This is an outstanding book that presents a huge amount of research material in a highly organized and coherent fashion. Neurosteroid modulation represents a critically important emerging area that is comprehensively portrayed by this volume.

Thomas H. Jobe

This volume on neuroactive steroids, part of the CRC series on neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, brings together a broad range of studies and puts together a molecule-to-behavior synthesis that is very comprehensive and expertly written and organized by authorities in their respective fields. Topics include steroids as modulators of amino acid receptor function, regulation of serotonergic function by steroid hormones, modulation of ion channels by steroids, electrophysiological studies of steroid action in the CNS, estrogen effects on neuroplasticity, sexual dimorphism in the CNS and the role of steroids and the steroid control of hypothalamic function, to name a few. The purpose is to give a comprehensive overview of experimental findings in steroid modulation of CNS function. This volume answers questions such as ""do sexually dimorphic regions of the CNS retain hormone-dependent plasticity in adulthood?"" or ""how do glial cells participate in steroid mediated plasticity?"" This volume is intended for a large audience and, because it is clearly written and is concise in expression, it succeeds in reaching not only those involved in the steroid psychopharmacology but also those in related fields as well as students of neurosciences generally. This volume is well illustrated and has many excellent graphs and molecular illustrations. Also, nuclear brain areas and their interconnections are well portrayed. The distinction between neurosteroids (steroids produced in the brain only) and neurally active steroids is well illustrated. This is an outstanding book that presents a huge amount of research material in a highly organized and coherent fashion. Neurosteroid modulationrepresents a critically important emerging area that is comprehensively portrayed by this volume.

5 Stars! from Doody