Synapses [Paperback]

W. Maxwell Cowan (Editor), Thomas C. Südhof (Editor), Charles F. Stevens (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 18, 2003

Edited by W. Maxwell Cowan, Thomas C. Südhof, and Charles F. Stevens, this volume provides a comprehensive and authoritative overview of a century of research on synaptic structure and function culminating in the most recent work. Written by leading experts in the field, Synapses will be of interest to a broad range of neuroscientists, including those studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission, learning and memory, neuronal plasticity, neurotransmitters, and synaptic morphology. It will also be an essential reference for students and biomedical professionals in all areas of neuroscience.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Comprehensive in its coverage. The quality of the writing and of the numerous beautiful color figures is excellent... Cowan and Eric Kandel offer an engaging history of the study of synaptic transmission from the first hints of its existence in 1791 through the 1970s... For both seasoned neurobiologists and interested newcomers to the field, this book is a worthwhile introduction to the wonders of synapses and the many opportunities for future study that they offer.

(Mary B. Kennedy Science )

Drawing on the expertise of recognized leaders in the field, the editors have compiled 15 chapters that skillfully relay the rich history and complexity of synapses. A fascinating introduction by Max Cowan and Eric Kandel chronicles the historical underpinnings of the synapse and sets the scholarly tone for the rest of the book. Synapses is an impressive book that will be a useful reference to neuroscientists at all levels.

(Michael D. Ehlers and Guoping Feng Nature )

An important book. It covers an astounding array of interesting topics and begins with a wonderful historical review by Max Cowan and Eric Kandel.

(John P. Horn American Scientist )

Perhaps the most unique feature of Synapses is that most chapters were written jointly by authors originating from different laboratories and representing diverse points of view. It is 'must reading' for all who love synapses.

(George J. Augustine Nature Neuroscience )

This superb volume summarizes in lucid and authoritative detail our current understanding of the synapse, a term coined by Sherrington approximately 100 years ago. A definitive summary of one century's work and a challenging roadmap for the next.

(Zach W. Hall, University of California, San Francisco )

For anyone interested in obtaining a more sophisticated view of the workings of the basic cellular unit of brain function, this book will serve as an indispensable companion.

(Thomas Jessell, Columbia University )

About the Author

W. Maxwell Cowan (1932-2002) was an internationally renowned neurobiologist and the chief scientific officer at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Thomas C. Südhof is an HHMI investigator and professor of molecular genetics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Charles F. Stevens is an HHMI investigator at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and adjunct professor of Pharmacology and of Neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 792 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 1 edition (March 18, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801871182
• ISBN-13: 978-0801871184
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #621,904 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Sophisticated, January 26, 2006

By 

Michael M. Halassa "mhalassa" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Synapses (Paperback)

The editors did a wonderful job of putting together many review articles on synaptic structure, synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. There is so much about synapses in this book ranging from the early work of Katz to the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of LTP. Of particular interest is the Chapter by Grimwood, Martin, and Morris on Synaptic plasticity and Memory that was published in the Annual Review of Neuroscience; great ideas. Highly recommended for people who work on/are interested in synapses.