Overview
It is widely recognized that the neural basis of brain function can be fully understood only by integrating many disciplines at many levels. Studies of synaptic organization are bringing about a quiet revolution in achieving this goal, as documented by this unique book over the past 30 years. In this fifth edition, the results of the mouse and human genome projects are incorporated for the first time. Molecular biologists interested in functional genomics and proteomics of the brain will find answers here to the critical questions: what are the cell and circuit functions of gene products? Also for the first time, the reader is oriented to supporting neuroscience databases. Among the new advances covered are 2-photon confocal laser microscopy of dendrites and dendritic spines, biochemical analyses, and dual patch and multielectrode recordings, applied together with an increasing range of behavioral and gene-targeting methods. Leading experts in the best understood brain regions bring together the molecular, anatomical, functional, and behavioral data in authoritative integrated accounts. The chapters are organized in the same format, covering the neural elements, synaptic connections, basic circuits, physiology, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, membrane properties, dendritic properties, and with a final section on how the circuits mediate specific behaviors. The uniform framework for each chapter enables the authors to higlight the principles that are common to all regions, as well as the adaptations unique to each, thus serving as a model for understanding the neural basis of behavior.
The book contains black-and-white illustrations.
Editorials
Thomas H. Jobe
This fourth edition continues the ""classical"" tradition for excellence in gathering together the most authoritative sources of the best scientific work on synaptic structures and combining it in a concise, clear, and integrated manner for a broad spectrum of readership. This book includes results on the latest scientific techniques including calcium imaging of neuronal activity, knockouts, knockins, site-directed mutagenesis, caged compounds, etc., in slices, cultured cells, and expression systems. All twelve chapters are written by outstanding authorities in their respective fields, covering synaptic circuits, membrane properties, ventral horn circuits, the cochlea nucleus, the olfactory bulb, the retina, the cerebellum, the thalamus, the olfactory cortex, the hippocampus, and the neocortex. The editor has skillfully worked to integrate a wide array of contributors' styles, leaving the impression of single authorship. This greatly simplifies complex subjects and expands the readership of this volume to include beginning students in neuroscience to active researchers themselves. Experimental techniques and methodological assumptions are explained and spelled out with great clarity. This fourth edition mirrors its predecessors; it contains outstanding illustrations that portray concepts, structures, and experimental designs. Readers will be delighted with this volume, especially as it focuses upon the active dendrite issues and how synaptic integration has been more closely linked to dendritic spiking and back propagation pointing in the direction of recursive rather than uni-direction processing.From The Critics
Reviewer: Celso Agner, MD, MS, MSc(Michigan Neurology Partners)Description: The synaptic organization of the central nervous system is likely responsible for the establishment of long-term memory, recovery from stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and trauma to the central nervous system. A review on the topic is, therefore, welcome and suitable.
Purpose: The purpose of this book is to address the basic neurophysiology of the synaptic organization of the brain. Leading authorities in the field fully meet the objectives.
Audience: This audience is composed primarily of neurologists and neuroscientists interested in the mechanisms of synaptic organization and control in vivo and in vitro.
Features: The 12 chapters, written by 22 authors, progress from the basic neurophysiology of synapses in the central nervous system to anatomical organization starting with the spinal cord and ending with the neocortex. The nature and significance of multiple synaptic circuits is presented in a simplified yet comprehensive manner in order to reach audiences with diverse levels of expertise. The pictures are good and the references, up-to-date to the time of publication. This book is a worthwhile purchase.
Assessment: This is a necessary addition to the libraries of neurologists and neurophysiologists. Although also useful for neurosurgeons, the lack of immediate application to daily practice would make this book a less attractive addition to their specialty libraries.
4 Stars! from Doody