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Given that the extremely elaborated and dynamic functions performed by the nervous system require the close synchronization of brain cells, complex organisms have developed different mechanisms of intercellular communication. At this regard, paracrine signaling between neighboring cells is currently recognized as one of the most widely distributed mechanisms of synchronization in the brain parenchyma. In mammals, paracrine signaling is in part mediated by single membrane channels formed by connexins (connexons/hemichannels) or pannexins (pannexons), which are two different membrane protein families composed of about 20 and 3 members, respectively. Single membrane channels formed by these pro...
The book will highlight the role played by glial cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems in both healthy and unhealthy individuals. Among all processes involved, we will discuss the importance of the enteric nervous system in the control of gut homeostasis, in the interaction with the immune system, and its participation in pathological conditions such as metabolic syndrome. We will also look at the relevance of astrocytes during synaptic transmission and the regulation of plasticity by releasing gliotransmitters. Ultimately, we will highlight the influence of astrocytes during the development of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on how the serum levels of the astrocytic protein S100B can be used as a biomarker for clinical decisions.
This book highlights the pathophysiological complexities of the mechanisms and factors that are likely to be involved in a range of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, other Dementia, Parkinson Diseases and Multiple Sclerosis. The spectrum of diverse factors involved in neurodegeneration, such as protein aggregation, oxidative stress, caspases and secretase, regulators, cholesterol, zinc, microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, etc, have been discussed in the context of disease progression. In addition, novel approaches to therapeutic interventions have also been presented. It is hoped that students, scientists and clinicians shall find this very informative book immensely useful and thought-provoking.
Plasma membrane-associated channels known as gap junctions, along with their protein building blocks-connexins-have an important functional role in a range of immunological processes. This book assembles and synthesizes four decades of the most important research carried out in this field. The chapters focus on the latest progress made on translating the knowledge gained to specific treatment modalities, including approaches for reducing scarring and cardiac arrhythmia, combating inflammation in the central nervous system and enhancing epithelial tissue repair. The book will inform and update specialists, clinical practitioners and those studying the potential for commercial applications.
Coordinated cell interactions are required to accomplish several complex and dynamic tasks observed in several tissues. Cell function may be coordinated by cell-to-cell communication through gap junctions channels (GJCs). These channels are formed by the serial docking of two hemichannels, which in turn are formed by six protein subunits called connexins (Cxs). It is well known that GJCs are involved in several functions, such as intercellular propagation of calcium waves, spread of electrotonic potentialsand spatial buffering of ions and metabolites. On the other hand, undocked hemichannels, which are not forming GJCs, can also serve other functions as “free hemichannels”. Currently, it...
This is a comprehensive and authoritative textbook on pediatric pulmonology. Edited by Pablo Bertrand and Ignacio Sánchez, renowned academics and pediatricians from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, it encompasses five sections and 74 chapters, presenting and discussing the most important topics related to pediatric respiratory diseases. Written and presented in a simple and didactic format, it intends to ease learning and settlement of doubts in pediatric respiratory diseases. The reader is naturally introduced into the physiology, diagnosis, syndromes, diseases and the treatment associated with the respiratory pathologies affecting children. The chapters include algorithms for ...