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Neuroscientists are increasingly becoming more interested in modelling brain functions where capturing the biophysical mechanisms underpinning these functions requires plausible models at the level of neuron cells. However, cell level models are still very much in the embryo stage and therefore there is a need to advance the level of biological realism at the level of neurons/synapses. Recent publications have highlighted that astrocytes continually exchange information with multiple synapses; if we are to fully appreciate this dynamic and coordinated interplay between these cells then more research on bidirectional signalling between astrocytes and neurons is required. A better understandin...
GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS and acts via GABAA and GABAB receptors. Recently, a novel form of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition, termed “tonic” inhibition, has been described. Whereas synaptic GABAA receptors underlie classical “phasic” GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition (inhibitory postsynaptic currents), tonic GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition results from the activation of extrasynaptic receptors by low concentrations of ambient GABA. Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors are composed of receptor subunits that convey biophysical properties ideally suited to the generation of persistent inhibition and are pharmacologically and functionally distinct from their synaptic counterparts. This book highlights ongoing work examining the properties of recombinant and native extrasynaptic GABAA receptors and their preferential targeting by endogenous and clinically relevant agents. In addition, it emphasizes the important role of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in GABAergic inhibition throughout the CNS and identifies them as a major player in both physiological and pathophysiological processes.
The thalamus is often described as a relay. Typified by sensory pathways, this concept leads to thalamic nuclei being viewed as areas that passively streams information from a single source to the cortex, without affecting the nature of that information. However, diverse intrathalamic connections, the varying synaptic and membrane properties of thalamic neurons and the large number of inputs from non-sensory sources make the idea that the thalamus is just a passive relay unlikely. Furthermore, a large number of thalamic nuclei are not primarily driven by sensory signals nor do they exclusively target the cortex, meaning the thalamus must do more than simply pass sensory signals to the cortex. Finally, there is a wealth of research demonstrating that the thalamus does indeed function in ways that are not captured by the concept of a simple relay. So why, given all of this, is the primary paradigm for describing the thalamus, a relay? This Research Topic covers original research, reviews and hypotheses on thalamic function that explore the concept that the thalamus performs computational tasks other than simply passively relaying information.
Idiopathic generalised epilepsies are characterised by strong genetic factors and multiple clinical phenotypes; animal models of untreated epilepsies are relevant to some of the clinical syndromes found in humans. This volume is the first to confront human clinical, animal (experimental) as well as basic and applied genetic data. Main section headings: Current approaches; Familial neonatal and infantile convulsions; Absence seizures and absence epilepsy; Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and related syndromes; Photosensitivity; Pathophysiology of convulsive seizures; Fundamental and therapeutic aspects.
Dynamic-clamp is a fascinating electrophysiology technique that consists of merging living neurons with computational models. The dynamic-clamp (also called “conductance injection”) allows experimentalists and theoreticians to challenge neurons (or any other type of cell) with complex conductance stimuli generated by a computer. The technique can be implemented from neural simulation environments and a variety of custom-made or commercial systems. The real-time interaction between the computer and cell also enables the design of recording paradigms with unprecedented accuracy via a computational model of the electrode. Dynamic-Clamp: From Principles to Applications contains contributions...
Despite everything that has been written about the brain, a potentially critical part of this vital organ has been overlooked—until now. The Other Brain examines the growing importance of glia, which make up approximately 85 percent of the cells in the brain, and the role they play in how the brain functions, malfunctions, and heals itself. Long neglected as little more than cerebral packing material, glia (meaning “glue”) are now known to regulate the flow of information between neurons and to repair the brain and spinal cord after injury and stroke. But scientists are also discovering that diseased and damaged glia play a significant role in psychiatric illnesses such as schizophreni...
"This book is an attempt to cover two gaps in our appreciation of the critical interplay between thalamus and cortex . One is that the tendency in covering these subjects is to treat each in isolation, which overlooks the point that a key to understanding their function is appreciating their essential partnership and interdependence for sensation, action, and cognition"--