GABA Outside the CNS, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1992

during the past few years increasing interest has been focused on the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) outside the central nervous systems (CNS).Biochemical, pharmacological, histochemical, physiological approaches have all been employed to investigate the role of GABA in themammalian periphery. The International Symposium on Peripheral GABAergic Mechanism held in Rome, July 1990, was devoted to gather scientists from allover the world in order to summarize and sythesize their most recent results and conceptions on the significance of GABA outside the CNS. Written in a thought-provoking style, this proceedings volume is an overviewof the timely knowledge about GABA in the peripheral nervous system and in non-neuronal tissues. Chapters of the book provide many examples for the diverse functions of this amino acid in the periphery as neurotransmitter, hormone, humoral or even trophic factor from the autonomic ganglia to the endocrine stomach and pancreas, from the tubular epithelium of the kidney to the spermatozoa.

GABA in the Peripheral Nervous System.- The Role of GABA in the Peripheral Nervous System.- GABAergic Neurons in the Myenteric Plexus.- GABA and Gut Motility.- The GABAergic Innervation of Paravertebral Sympathetic Ganglia.- L-Glutamate Decarboxylase Immunoreactivity in the Sympathoadrenal System.- GABAergic Action on Cholinergic Axon Terminals in the Superior Cervical Ganglion.- GABA in Non-Neural Tissues.- Non-Neuronal GABA Systems: An Overview.- GABA and Endocrine Cells of the Gastro-entero-pancreatic System: A Review.- GABA and Diamine Oxidase Activity in the Gastrointestinal Mucosa: Possible Links.- GABA and the Liver: The First 40 Years.- GABA-Immunoreactive Structures in Rat Kidney.- GABAergic Mechanisms in Bovine Adrenal Chromaffin Cells: Their Role in the Regulation of Catecholamine Secretion.- The GABAergic System in Human Female Genital Organs.- Neurotransmitter Amino Acids as Modulators of Biological Processes of Spermatozoa.- Pharmacology and GABA Receptors.- GABA Receptors Inside and Outside the Brain.- Autoradiographic Localization of Peripheral GABAA Receptors.- The GABAB Receptor Profile of a Series of Phosphinic Acids: Agonist and Antagonist Activity in a Range of Peripheral Tissues.- GABAergic Mechanisms and Cardiovascular Function.- GABAergic Mechanisms in the Pulmonary System.- GABAergic Mechanisms and Modulation of the Anaphylaxie Response.