Synapse: Function, Plasticity, and Neurotrophism [Hardcover]

Motoy Kuno (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0198546874 | ISBN-13: 978-0198546870 | Edition: 1

The synapse not only provides a bridge from one nerve cell to the next; its function can be modified by experience, making it important for learning and memory, and it plays an important role in the growth and development of the nervous system. This is a central topic in the study of neuroscience on which molecular biology has had a major impact. Professor Kuno has written the first accessible overview of the synapse in these different contexts. He takes the reader through a series of fundamental questions about neuronal function which facilitate an understanding of the rationale and logic behind current research in the area. To achieve a true synthesis on molecular biology and neurophysiology, the terminology and concepts are described in terms accessible to advanced students and researchers in both areas, enhanced by over 140 illustrations and a number of explanatory boxes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`This nicely written book presents a comprehensive summary of neurobiological concepts on synapses, their function, and some specific patterns. It is a valuable addition to the libraries of neuroresearchers and graduate students and may serve as a reference source about synapses. Biological and medical libraries should perhaps have multiple copies of this book because it will eventually become essential reading for neuroscience courses.' Konstantin V. Slavin, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal, 1995

`No attempt is made to be all inclusive in scope or detail, rather a thoughtful glimpse is provided to stimulate our thinking on future research. The author has succeeded in bringing together evidence from multidisciplinary approaches to the study of the synapse with the aim of communication, summarization, and provoking comment.' Douglas E. Brenneman, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy 12 (1997)

About the Author

Motoy Kuno, Professor Emeritus of Physiology, Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 249 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (January 15, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198546874
• ISBN-13: 978-0198546870
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,122,370 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Synaptic!, November 26, 2000

By 

Howard Schneider (Thornhill, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Synapse: Function, Plasticity, and Neurotrophism (Hardcover)

For the reader with a basic knowledge of neurophysiology, this reference provides a more detailed, yet easy to read, overview of the synapse. The role of calcium and the mechanism of the release of neurotransmitter is considered. Ionotropic receptors where activation directly affects the ionic channel and thus mediate a fast synaptic response, are considered, including Ach, glycine, GABA(A), glutamate and serotonin 5HT-3 receptors. Metabotropic receptors, which are generally linked to G-proteins and which activate intracellular second messengers which in turn affect ionic channels, often located at a distance, and thus mediate a slow synaptic response, are considered. Synaptic plasticity, including the changes that occur with learning (particularly in Aplysia), is then considered. Morphological plasticity such as increased numbers of synapses, is also considered. Different neurotrophins required for neuron survival, including NGF, BDNF and NT-3, and then the regulation of developing synapses, are considered.