Neurotransmission, Pain, and Neurological Disorders: The Role of Glial Cells and Neurotransmitters - Paperback

by Si-Yuan Song (Author)

Neurotransmission, Pain, and Neurological Disorders: The Role of Glial Cells and Neurotransmitters provides a comprehensive examination of the pivotal roles that glial cells and neurotransmitters play in the central nervous system. Co-authored by Si-Yuan Song and Hui-Xian Zhou, this book delves into the multifaceted functions of glial cells, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. It explores how these cells support neural structures, regulate neurotransmitter metabolism, and participate in immune responses, while also highlighting their involvement in conditions like pain, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The book further presents an extensive overview of neurotransmitters and their receptors, detailing major classes such as acetylcholine, monoamines, amino acids, neuropeptides, purines, and gaseous neurotransmitters. It explains the processes of neurotransmitter synthesis, release, receptor binding, and regulation, emphasizing their critical roles in neural communication and various neurological disorders. This scholarly work integrates recent advancements in techniques like immunohistochemistry, cell culture, electron microscopy, and laser confocal microscopy, offering new insights into the morphological characteristics and functional activities of neuroglia. It serves as an essential resource for neuroscientists, clinicians, and students, providing a deep understanding of the intricate relationships between glial cells, neurotransmitters, and brain functionality in both health and disease.