Toxin-Induced Models of Neurological Disorders / Edition 1

by A.J. Nonneman, M.L. Woodruff

Overview

Tbis volume discusses and evaluates the use of neurotoxins to produce animal models of human neurodegenerative diseases. Tbe models presented use neuro­ toxins to induce some or most of the pathophysiological changes (including behavioral) that characterize the most studied motor neuron disorders and cogni­ tive disorders (dementia) in humans. Within the biomedical research community, there is little doubt about the utility of such models. But with increasing frequen­ cy, individuals concemed with animal rights question the validity of such models and argue that they actually produce no useful information for understanding or developing treatments for human disorders. Each of the chapters will address this issue, considering the utility, validity, generalizability, and limitations of the models presented. Chapter 1 begins with a brief review of the ethics of animal use in neuro­ biological research, inc1uding a discussion of the criteria that may be used to evaluate animal models of human disease and extrapolate from the model to appropriate questions regarding humans. The limitations of such extrapolation are also discussed, with special consideration of issues specific to the use of neurotoxins. Chapter 2 extends this theme with further consideration of issues and strategies involved in developing neurotoxin-induced models of neuro­ degenerative disorders and assessing risk factors associated with neurotoxin exposure. It then narrows to evaluate the use of a model systems approach to explore neurotoxin-induced leaming and memory deficits in animals as related to humans with dementia.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306446146
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	07/31/1994
Series:	Languages and Information Systems
Edition description:	1994
Pages:	344
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.04(d)

About the Author

Woodruff, Michael L. (East Tennessee State Univ); Nonnemann, Arthur J. (Asbury Coll)

The contributors represent the specialties of biology, anatomy, cell biology, environmental technology, neurological surgery, pharmacology, experimental psychology, geriatric medicine, neurology, psychiatry, pathology, and experimental therapeutics. Most come from North American medical centers, and a few are from private companies. Four contributors are from Sweden, two are from the U.K., and one is from Canada. Institutions prominently represented include Yale, East Tennessee State, Univ of South Florida, and Huddinge Univ, Sweden.

Table of Contents

Animal Models and the Implications of Their Use (A.J. Nonneman, M.L. Woodruff). Strategies for Developing Animal Models of NeurotoxicantInduced Neurodegenerative Disorders (P.R. Solomon et al.). Experimental Paradigms of Motor Neuron Degeneration (M.J. Strong, R.M. Garruto). Hydroxydopamine Lesions of Nigrostriatal Neurons as an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease (P.J. Reading, S.B. Dunnett). MPTPTreated Mice (E. Sundstrom et al.). Behavioral Effects of MPTP Administration in the Vervet Monkey (J.R. Taylor et al.). Intranigral Iron Infusion as a Model for Parkinson's Disease (G.W. Arendash et al.). Excitotoxic Lesions of the Neostriatum as an Animal Model of Huntington's Disease (D.F. Emerich et al.). The Use of AF64A to Model Alzheimer's Disease (T.J. Walsh, K.D. Opello). Perinatal Intake of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (L.M. Juárez de Ku, L.A. Meserve). Aluminum Exposure Produces Learning and Memory Deficits (R.A. Yokel). Trimethyltin Neurotoxicity in the Rat as an Analogous Model of Alzheimer's Disease (M.L. Woodruff, R.H. Baisden). Index.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Xabier Beristain, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description: This is an interesting book that faces the problem of using experimental animal models to understand the physiopathology of human neurodegenerative disorders, focusing particularly on dementia and motor neuron degeneration.
Purpose: The purpose is to evaluate the use of neurotoxins to produce animal models of human neurodegenerative disorders, including the ethical aspects of animal research, limitations, and advantages. In this way it is a step toward a better understanding of the physiopathology of these disorders with implications for future therapeutic approaches.
Audience: The book is oriented to neuroscientists in general and to neurologists interested in degenerative disorders. At the same time, it is also oriented toward toxicologists. The contributors are credible, with a wide background in this particular field of research.
Features: The book includes tables, charts, and pictures that support the text. The references are in general up-to-date and more than adequate. The appendixes are well structured and absolutely clear, allowing easy access to information. It is remarkable that each chapter ends with some conclusions or considerations that act as a summary of the subject.
Assessment: This book is oriented to neuroscientists interested in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders, with a review of the present state-of-the-art of animal models in this field. It brings theoretical models of disease, linking basic neuroscience with the clinical aspects. The only limitation, perhaps, is that it should address other neurodegenerative disorders, in addition to dementia and motor neuron diseases, to be a complete and excellent work in the field of neurodegenerative disorders.

Doody's Review Service

3 Stars from Doody

This is an interesting book that faces the problem of using experimental animal models to understand the physiopathology of human neurodegenerative disorders, focusing particularly on dementia and motor neuron degeneration. The purpose is to evaluate the use of neurotoxins to produce animal models of human neurodegenerative disorders, including the ethical aspects of animal research, limitations, and advantages. In this way it is a step toward a better understanding of the physiopathology of these disorders with implications for future therapeutic approaches. The book is oriented to neuroscientists in general and to neurologists interested in degenerative disorders. At the same time, it is also oriented toward toxicologists. The contributors are credible, with a wide background in this particular field of research. The book includes tables, charts, and pictures that support the text. The references are in general up-to-date and more than adequate. The appendixes are well structured and absolutely clear, allowing easy access to information. It is remarkable that each chapter ends with some conclusions or considerations that act as a summary of the subject. This book is oriented to neuroscientists interested in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders, with a review of the present state-of-the-art of animal models in this field. It brings theoretical models of disease, linking basic neuroscience with the clinical aspects. The only limitation, perhaps, is that it should address other neurodegenerative disorders, in addition to dementia and motor neuron diseases, to be a complete and excellent work in the field of neurodegenerative disorders.

Xabier Beristain

Discusses the controversial research procedure of giving experimental animals neurotoxins to induce some or most of the pathophysiological changes that characterize the motor neuron and cognitive disorders in humans that are under study. Reviews the ethics of neurobiological research using animals and strategies for developing models, then describes and evaluates specific models for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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