Gap Junctions in the Nervous System

by David C. Spray, Rolf Dermietzel

Overview

This book deals with the types of gap junction proteins (connexins) and their distribution within the nervous system, the physiological properties of channels formed of each connexin, and the role of gap junction channels in functions of normal and pathological brain and peripheral nerve. Although glial tissue is emphasized, additional groups of chapters deal with neurons in the central nervous system and with the retina.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783662219379
Publisher:	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publication date:	06/03/2013
Series:	Neuroscience Intelligence Unit
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1996
Pages:	317
Product dimensions:	7.01(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

Spray, David C. (Albert Einstein Coll of Medicine); Dermietzel, Rolf (Univ of Regensburg)

The contributors represent the specialties of neurology, anatomy/cell biology, neuroscience, and pathology. Most are from universities and research institutes in six countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Germany. Institutions prominently represented include Univ of Western Ontario, Univ of Toronto, Univ of Pennsylvania, and Albert Einstein Coll of Medicine.

Table of Contents

1. Gap Junctions in the Nervous System: An Introduction.- 2. Molecular Diversity and Plasticity of Gap Junctions in the Nervous System.- 3. Physiological Properties of Gap Junction Channels in the Nervous System.- 4. Gap Junctions as Electrical Synapses.- 5. Cell Coupling in the Retina.- 6. The Modulation of Gap Junction Permeability in the Retina.- 7. Modulation of Connexon Density in Gap Junctions of Fish Horizontal Cells.- 8. Characterization and Regulation of Gap Junction Channels in Cultured Astrocytes.- 9. Do Glial Gap Junctions Play a Role in Extracellular Ion Homeostasis?.- 10. Subcellular Topography and Plasticity of Gap Junction Distribution on Astrocytes.- 11. Effect of Gap Junctional Communication on Glioma Cell Function.- 12. Gap Junctional Communication in Mammalian Cortical Astrocytes: Development, Modifiability and Possible Functions.- 13. Connexin32 and X-Linked-Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.- 14. Regulation of Connexin Expression in Schwann Cells.- 15. Gap Junction Expression in the Olfactory System.- 16. Temporal Expression of Gap Junctions During Neuronal Ontogeny.- 17. Dendritic Gap Junctions in Developing Neocortex: A Possible Route for Wave-Like Propagation of Neuronal Activity.- 18. Electric Coupling in Epileptogenesis.- 19. Spreading Depression—A Gap Junction Mediated Event?.