D.B. Calne - Böcker

Volume 5 of the series "Advances in Research on Neurodegeneration" is concerned with themes which are currently the focus of intensive research, and in which advances in our understanding of the pathological mechanisms un­ derlying neurodegenerative diseases are expected in the near future. The first section contains five reviews devoted to the various neuroimaging technolo­ gies. The discussion is concerned with the question of whether neuroimaging techniques make it possible to follow the process of degeneration as it occurs, and which methods offer the required sensitivity and quantifiability for this purpose. However, the question needs to be examined of whether, given the physical and chemical limitations of these techniques, even under optimal conditions, anatomical resolution can be improved to the extent that neuro­ degenerative diseases can be diagnosed earlier than currently possible and a confident diagnosis made. The possibilities of using neuroimaging techniques to provide information regarding the effects of neuroprotective or neuroregen­ erative therapeutic strategies, and for correlating the results of neuropsycho­ logical research with imaging data are also discussed. The second section is concerned with the significance of endogenous or exogenous neurotoxins as triggers for neurodegenerative processes that may lead to Parkinsonism. Vulnerability factors, which include such factors as nerve ending sensitivity, the synergistic effects of drugs and the various mechanisms underlying different toxins are discussed.

Neurodegeneration is one of the most important subjects of the investigation now and in the coming 21st century. Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly people and Parkinson's disease is one of the major neurologic disorders with the prevalence between 1 and 2/1 000 population in advanced countries. Many others are suffering from intractable neurodegener­ ative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, or spinocerebellar degeneration. No truly effective treatment is available for any of these neurodegenerative disorders except for Parkinson's disease; even in Parkinson's disease, still it is impossible to slow down the disease process with the currently available treatment. It is urgently needed to develop new effective technique to halt or slow down the disease process in each of those disorders. Recent advance in the molecular biological and molecular genetic technique has brought us great progress in the understanding of etiology and pathogenesis of these disorders, but still it is not known how neurons are going to die in these disorders. To explore the question, mutual cooperation and exchange of ideas between basic scientists and clinical peoples are of utmost importance.

The volume contains recent advances in research on neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Particular interest was focused on molecular biological aspects of the mechanism of neuronal death in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, spinocerebellar degeneration and multiple sclerosis. International opinion leaders and top class researchers reviewed the progress in the above subjects. Future aspects of neuroprotection in neurodegenerative disorders and neuroinflammatory disorders were also discussed.

The 8th International Winter Conference on Neurodegeneration from Febru- ary 9 to 13, 2000 took place in Tegernsee, Bavaria, Germany. The interest shown in this symposium, which was carried by invited speakers only, was striking. 28 lectures in 5 sessions dealt with themes on basic science and therapy strategies for neurodegenerative illness. This time especially basic mechanism of cell death and resulting causal treatment possibilities were centre themes of the lectures and lively discussions. In accordance with tradi- tion 5 lectures on Multiple Sclerosis finished the convention. 60 scientists from 13 countries discussed current questions to these themes. The Symposium started with a lecture on the history of the develop- ment of modern-L-DOPA-therapy. Lectures on cell death of dopaminergic nerve cells, new valuation regarding assembly, built up and function of neuromelanin of Substantia nigra and with this, the question of the physio- logic and pathobiochemical role of dopamine and neuromelanin built the first block of themes which consequently extended to molecular and genetic aspects of cell death.Highlights of the symposium were neuroprotective and neuroregenerative future therapy strategies together with discussions on the difficulties of clinical neuroprotection. Developmental biological aspects on nerve cells, reorganisation and neurodegeneration showed a stimulating point of view of momentary and future development possibilities of new and more causal forms of therapy of neurodegenerative illness.