Alexei Verkhratsky – författare

Diverse specialised neuroglial cells guarantee the development, preservation, and health of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the enteric nervous system, and the special senses. In the central nervous system, it is the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia that safeguard nerve cell function and integrity that controls all behaviours and encompasses the cerebral cortex of the brain which is the root of humanity. In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells play the leading role, together with satellite glial cells of the sensory and autonomic ganglia, ensuring correct communication between the organs and tissues with the brain and the spinal cord. In the enteric nervous system, specialised enteric glial cells maintain all aspects of gastrointestinal function. Then there are distinctive glial cells of the special senses that ensure how the body perceives and reacts to its environment.

In pathology, neuroglia strive to protect the diverse cellular components of the nervous system and are responsible for a proactive programme of posttraumatic restructuring that is aimed at recovery of life-sustaining function.

Neuroglia: Function and Pathology provides a highly original and comprehensive account of the physiology and pathophysiology of glial cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The first part of the book provides a far-reaching description of glial cell form and function, from their evolution in invertebrates to their complexity in humans, encompassing the developmental origin of the varied glial cell types and their diversity of morphology, molecular biology and cellular physiology. The second part of the book is devoted to an all-embracing evaluation of glial cell pathophysiology, commencing with definitive explanations of the fundamental pathologies of the main glial cell types, and ending in a systematic examination of glial contributions to specific neurological diseases. This book emphasises the central roles played by the different classes of neuroglial cells in the progression and outcome of neurological disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems and highlights potential of glial cells as therapeutic targets. The book contains more than 2500 key references from over 150 years of glial research and is superbly illustrated with over 350 original and explanatory full colour figures that describe the diverse characteristics and properties of glial cells in health and disease. Under the same cover, this book combines an authoritative reference book for research and clinical neuroscientists and at the same time serves as an instructive textbook for students of neuroscience, from undergraduates to postgraduates.

Single volume covering key aspects of glial cell physiology and pathology In depth overview of the history of glial cell research Comprehensive review of glial cell physiology and pathology Authoritative special chapters on the major neurological diseases Full colour throughout, with 360 illustrations

"This volume is a very valuable and much needed contribution."—Quarterly Review of BiologyAT LAST - A comprehensive, accessible textbook on glial neurobiology!Glial cells are the most numerous cells in the human brain but for many years have attracted little scientific attention. Neurophysiologists concentrated their research efforts instead, on neurones and neuronal networks because it was thought that they were the key elements responsible for higher brain function. Recent advances, however, indicate this isn’t exactly the case. Not only are astroglial cells the stem elements from which neurones are born, but they also control the development, functional activity and death of neuronal circuits. These ground-breaking developments have revolutionized our understanding of the human brain and the complex interrelationship of glial and neuronal networks in health and disease.Features of this book: an accessible introduction to glial neurobiology including an overview of glial cell function and its active role in neural processes, brain function and nervous system pathologyan exploration of all the major types of glial cells including: the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia of the ACNS and Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system; the book also presents a broad overview of glial receptors and ion channelsan investigation into the role of glial cells in various types of brain diseases including stroke, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Alexander's disease, brain oedema, multiple sclerosis and many morea wealth of illustrations, including unique images from the authors' own libraries of images, describing the main features of glial cellsWritten by two leading experts in the field, Glial Neurobiology provides a concise, authoritative introduction to glial physiology and pathology for undergraduate/postgraduate neuroscience, biomedical, medical, pharmacy, pharmacology, and neurology, neurosurgery and physiology students. It is also an invaluable resource for researchers in neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology and pharmaceutics.

"This volume is a very valuable and much needed contribution."—Quarterly Review of BiologyAT LAST - A comprehensive, accessible textbook on glial neurobiology!Glial cells are the most numerous cells in the human brain but for many years have attracted little scientific attention. Neurophysiologists concentrated their research efforts instead, on neurones and neuronal networks because it was thought that they were the key elements responsible for higher brain function. Recent advances, however, indicate this isn’t exactly the case. Not only are astroglial cells the stem elements from which neurones are born, but they also control the development, functional activity and death of neuronal circuits. These ground-breaking developments have revolutionized our understanding of the human brain and the complex interrelationship of glial and neuronal networks in health and disease.Features of this book: an accessible introduction to glial neurobiology including an overview of glial cell function and its active role in neural processes, brain function and nervous system pathologyan exploration of all the major types of glial cells including: the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia of the ACNS and Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system; the book also presents a broad overview of glial receptors and ion channelsan investigation into the role of glial cells in various types of brain diseases including stroke, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Alexander's disease, brain oedema, multiple sclerosis and many morea wealth of illustrations, including unique images from the authors' own libraries of images, describing the main features of glial cellsWritten by two leading experts in the field, Glial Neurobiology provides a concise, authoritative introduction to glial physiology and pathology for undergraduate/postgraduate neuroscience, biomedical, medical, pharmacy, pharmacology, and neurology, neurosurgery and physiology students. It is also an invaluable resource for researchers in neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology and pharmaceutics.

Glial Physiology and Pathophysiology provides a comprehensive, advanced text on the biology and pathology of glial cells.Coverage includes: the morphology and interrelationships between glial cells and neurones in different parts of the nervous systemsthe cellular physiology of the different kinds of glial cellsthe mechanisms of intra- and inter-cellular signalling in glial networksthe mechanisms of glial-neuronal communicationsthe role of glial cells in synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival and development of nervous systemthe cellular and molecular mechanisms of metabolic neuronal-glial interactionsthe role of glia in nervous system pathology, including pathology of glial cells and associated diseases - for example, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Alexander disease and Parkinson'sNeuroglia oversee the birth and development of neurones, the establishment of interneuronal connections (the 'connectome'), the maintenance and removal of these inter-neuronal connections, writing of the nervous system components, adult neurogenesis, the energetics of nervous tissue, metabolism of neurotransmitters, regulation of ion composition of the interstitial space and many, many more homeostatic functions. This book primes the reader towards the notion that nervous tissue is not divided into more important and less important cells. The nervous tissue functions because of the coherent and concerted action of many different cell types, each contributing to an ultimate output. This reaches its zenith in humans, with the creation of thoughts, underlying acquisition of knowledge, its analysis and synthesis, and contemplating the Universe and our place in it. An up-to-date and fully referenced text on the most numerous cells in the human brainDetailed coverage of the morphology and interrelationships between glial cells and neurones in different parts of the nervous systemDescribes the role of glial cells in neuropathologyFocus boxes highlight key points and summarise important factsCompanion website with downloadable figures and slides

Glial Physiology and Pathophysiology provides a comprehensive, advanced text on the biology and pathology of glial cells.Coverae includes: the morphology and interrelationships between glial cells and neurones in different parts of the nervous systemsthe cellular physiology of the different kinds of glial cellsthe mechanisms of intra- and inter-cellular signalling in glial networksthe mechanisms of glial-neuronal communicationsthe role of glial cells in synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival and development of nervous systemthe cellular and molecular mechanisms of metabolic neuronal-glial interactionsthe role of glia in nervous system pathology, including pathology of glial cells and associated diseases - for example, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Alexander disease and Parkinson'sNeuroglia oversee the birth and development of neurones, the establishment of interneuronal connections (the 'connectome'), the maintenance and removal of these inter-neuronal connections, writing of the nervous system components, adult neurogenesis, the energetics of nervous tissue, metabolism of neurotransmitters, regulation of ion composition of the interstitial space and many, many more homeostatic functions. This book primes the reader towards the notion that nervous tissue is not divided into more important and less important cells. The nervous tissue functions because of the coherent and concerted action of many different cell types, each contributing to an ultimate output. This reaches its zenith in humans, with the creation of thoughts, underlying acquisition of knowledge, its analysis and synthesis, and contemplating the Universe and our place in it. An up-to-date and fully referenced text on the most numerous cells in the human brainDetailed coverage of the morphology and interrelationships between glial cells and neurones in different parts of the nervous systemDescribes the role og glial cells in neuropathologyFocus boxes highlight key points and summarise important factsCompanion website with downloadable figures and slides

Pathophysiological states, neurological and psychiatric diseases are almost universally considered from the neurocentric point of view, with neurons being the principal cellular element of pathological process. The brain homeostasis, which lies at the fulcrum of healthy brain function, the compromise of which invariably results in dysfunction/disease, however, is entirely controlled by neuroglia. It is becoming clear that neuroglial cells are involved in various aspects of initiation, progression and resolution of neuropathology. In this book we aim to integrate the body of information that has accumulated in recent years revealing the active role of glia in such pathophysiological processes. Understanding roles of glial cells in pathology will provide new targets for medical intervention and aide the development of much needed therapeutics. This book will be particularly useful for researchers, students, physicians and psychotherapists working in the field of neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry.

Pathophysiological states, neurological and psychiatric diseases are almost universally considered from the neurocentric point of view, with neurons being the principal cellular element of pathological process.

This book presents a comprehensive toolkit of versatile techniques for studying microglia under different experimental settings along with a brief summary of knowledge, accumulated in microglial research over the last decades. Beginning with recently discovered roles of microglia in health and disease, the volume continues by covering in vitro analyses of microglia, in vivo studies, and “omics” analyses. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Microglia: Methods and Protocols serves as a vital guide to these important cells and an inspiration for scientists interested in expanding our knowledge of their role in the nervous system.

This book presents a comprehensive toolkit of versatile techniques for studying microglia under different experimental settings along with a brief summary of knowledge, accumulated in microglial research over the last decades.

This contributed volume discusses the multiple roles of astrocytes, which determine the progression and outcome of neuropsychiatric diseases. This monograph aims to integrate the body of information that has accumulated in recent years revealing the active role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric pathology and in psychiatric disorders.

This contributed volume discusses the multiple roles of astrocytes, which determine the progression and outcome of neuropsychiatric diseases. This monograph aims to integrate the body of information that has accumulated in recent years revealing the active role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric pathology and in psychiatric disorders.

The past decade has witnessed a revolution in our understanding of microglia, especially since their roles in the healthy CNS have started to unravel. These cells were shown to actively maintain health, in concert with neurons and other types of CNS cells, providing further insight into their crucial involvement with diseases.  Edited by Drs. Marie-Ève Tremblay and Alexei Verkhratsky, Microglia: Physiology, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential shares with the scientific and medical community the latest discoveries in the microglial research field, with a truly comprehensive collection of  chapters written by the top specialists across five continents. The book begins by explaining briefly what they are, from both historical and evolutionary points of view, and how they can be studied. The first section explains their physiological roles in the maturation, function, and plasticity of the CNS. The second section focuses on their general involvement in neuropathophysiology, and the third section on their critical implication in specific CNS diseases, including neurotrauma, neuropathic pain, ischemia and stroke, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, substance use and addiction, sleep disorders, ageing, and neurodegenerative diseases. The fourth section presents their clinical potential as a targeted therapeutic tool for these  CNS diseases.

The past decade has witnessed a revolution in our understanding of microglia, especially since their roles in the healthy CNS have started to unravel. These cells were shown to actively maintain health, in concert with neurons and other types of CNS cells, providing further insight into their crucial involvement with diseases.  Edited by Drs. Marie-Ève Tremblay and Alexei Verkhratsky, Microglia: Physiology, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential shares with the scientific and medical community the latest discoveries in the microglial research field, with a truly comprehensive collection of  chapters written by the top specialists across five continents. The book begins by explaining briefly what they are, from both historical and evolutionary points of view, and how they can be studied. The first section explains their physiological roles in the maturation, function, and plasticity of the CNS. The second section focuses on their general involvement in neuropathophysiology, and the third section on their critical implication in specific CNS diseases, including neurotrauma, neuropathic pain, ischemia and stroke, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, substance use and addiction, sleep disorders, ageing, and neurodegenerative diseases. The fourth section presents their clinical potential as a targeted therapeutic tool for these  CNS diseases.

This single volume provides a comprehensive description of oligodendroglia, the neural cells responsible for myelination of axons throughout the central nervous system.

ATP acts as main energy source and is pivotal for numerous signaling cascades both inside the cells (by fuelling various transport systems and donating phosphate groups) and between the cells (by chemical transmission). Similarly glutamate acts as an important molecule for both intercellular signaling though glutamatergic transmission and cell energetics by contributing to ATP production.In this collection of chapters, written by the leading experts in the field of cell metabolism and energetics, intracellular signaling and neurotransmission we covered various aspects of the interfacing between these two fundamental molecules. This book will be particularly useful for researchers, students, physicians and psychotherapists working in the field of neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry.

ATP acts as main energy source and is pivotal for numerous signaling cascades both inside the cells (by fuelling various transport systems and donating phosphate groups) and between the cells (by chemical transmission). Similarly glutamate acts as an important molecule for both intercellular signaling though glutamatergic transmission and cell energetics by contributing to ATP production.In this collection of chapters, written by the leading experts in the field of cell metabolism and energetics, intracellular signaling and neurotransmission we covered various aspects of the interfacing between these two fundamental molecules. This book will be particularly useful for researchers, students, physicians and psychotherapists working in the field of neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the role of neuroglia in neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroglia are the most abundant cells in the nervous system and consist of several distinct cell types, such as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes,and microglia. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuroglia participate in the neurodegenerative process, and as such are essential players in a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s. Intended for researchers and students, the book presents recent advances concerning the biology of neuroglia as well as their interaction with neurons during disease progression. In addition, to highlight the function of neuroglia in different types of neurodegenerative disease, it also discusses their mechanisms and effects on protecting or damaging neurons.