Trophic Regulation of the Basal Ganglia: Focus on Dopamine Neurons examines neurotransmitters. The book first discusses the role of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and ganglioside GM1 and the trophic regulation of the basal ganglia. Biochemical and histochemical studies on the cellular localization of FGF-2; mapping of FGF-2 and its receptors in the basal ganglia postnatally and adulthood; and mapping of the ganglioside GM1 distribution in the basal ganglia are presented. The text also explains glucocorticoid and estrogen effects on the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic systems; factors associated to dopaminergic cell death in Parkinson''s disease; and compensatory mechanisms at dopamine D-2 receptors. The book also describes the effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on injured dopaminergic neurons; role of gangliosides and trophic factors in brain repair; and features of the trophic action of polyamines. The text also underscores the presence of interleukin-1 in the central nervous system; neuropeptides synthesis in astrocytes; and astrocytic kynurenines as modulators of dopaminergic function in the rat basal ganglia. The selection is a good source of information for readers wanting to study neurotransmitters.
