The Cortical Neuron

by Gutnick, Michael J.; Mody, Istvan

• ISBN13: 9780195083309
• ISBN10: 019508330X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-08-03
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

To understand how the cerebral cortex functions requires knowledge of single cells in this region and of their organization into cortical networks. Looking beyond the classical "wiring diagram" description of the organization of cortical cells into circuits, this innovative work focuses ondynamic aspects of cerebral cortical physiology, both at the single-neuron and network levels. Recent years have seen a remarkable expansion of knowledge about the basic cellular physiology and molecular biology of cortical neurons--their membrane properties, their synaptic characteristics, theirfunctional connectivity, their development, and the mechanisms of their response to injury. This authoritative volume includes contributions by many of the renowned neurobiologists and neurologists directly responsible for these advances. It is divided into four main sections, each of which isprefaced with an overview by a leading expert in the field. The sections cover cortical neurons and synapses, the cortical network, the developing cortical neuron, and the vulnerable cortical neuron. This final section focuses on the cortical neuron in relation to the mechanisms of epilepsy.Together, the chapters provide a balanced, up-to-date, multidisciplinary perspective on the normal and pathological function of the cells of the cerebral cortex, identifying the controversies and critical issues facing modern researchers in this exciting field.

Table of Contents

General Overview

Thirty Years Among Cortical Neurons

A Cellular and Synaptic Perspective of the Cortical Neuron

Cortical Synaptic Transmission: An Overview

The Cortical Neuron as an Electrophysiological Unit

Signal Transduction and Protein Phosphorylation

Structure and Function of Ligand-Gated Channels

Synaptic Actions of Amino Acid Neurotransmitters

Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampus and Neocortex: A Comparison

The Cortical Neuron as Part of a Network

Overview: Basic Elements of the Cortical Network

Functions of Local Circuits in Neocortex: Synchrony and Laminae

Inhibition in the Cortical Network

Thalamocortical Interactions

Models of Cortical Networks

The Developing Cortical Neuron

Determination of Cellular Phenotype and the Fundamental Organization of Cortical Layering: An Overview

Neurotransmitter Signaling Befor the Birth of Neurons

Gene Control of Cortical Excitability

Development of Cortical Excitation and Inhibition

Cortical Epileptogenesis in the Developing Human Brain

The Vulnerable Cortical Neuron

Glutamate Receptors and Neuronal Death: A Beginning

Measurement of Cortical Neurotransmitter Receptors with Radioligand Binding: Insights into the Mechanisms of Kindling-Induced Epilepsy

Pathophysiology of Cortical Synapses and Circuits

Pathophysiology of Cortical Areas from Human Epileptics

Clinical Strategies for Neuronal Protection

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