Neuroprotective Signal Transduction, 1998
Contemporary Neuroscience Series

In Neuroprotective Signal Transduction prominent researchers and clinicians focus on how inter- and intracellular signaling mechanisms prevent the degeneration and death of neurons occurring in both acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Authoritative contributions dissect the signaling pathways of an array of neuroprotective factors-ranging from neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4/5), to growth factors (bFGF, IGF-1, GDNF), to cytokines (TNF, IL-1b, and TGFb), to secreted amyloid precursor proteins, to protease nexin-1. Also treated are cytoprotective signaling events that occur within injured neurons independently of intercellular signals. Neuroprotective Signal Transduction presents fundamental, cutting-edge treatment of the cellular and molecular signal transduction pathways found in human neurodegenerative conditions. The book's elucidation of the molecular cascades evolved by the nervous system to protect itself is now lead to effective strategies for preventing neuronal degeneration in such conditions as stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and will form the basis for powerful new drug discovery and gene therapy strategies.

Neuroprotective Strategies Involving the Neurotrophins and Their Signaling Pathways.- Nerve Growth Factor and Its Receptors in the Primate Forebrain.- Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroprotection from Neuronal Death by Trophic Factor Deprivation.- Gene Induction and Neuronal Apoptosis.- Clinical Potential of Compounds That Stimulate Nerve Growth Factor Production.- Preclinical Trials of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) in Animal Models of Stroke.- Transforming Growth Factor-? Signaling and Neuroprotection.- Protective and Regenerative Properties of GDNF in the Central Nervous System.- Tumor Necrosis Factor.- Neuroprotective Strategies Based on Interleukin Signaling.- Signaling by ?-Amyloid Precursor Protein.- Clinical Potential of Agents That Affect Thrombin Signaling in Degenerative and Traumatic Neurologic Disorders.- Thrombin and Thrombin Inhibitors.- Deleterious and Salutary Effects of Steroid Hormones in the Nervous System.- Therapeutic Potential of Leukocyte Antiadhesion Strategies in CNS Ischemia.- Neuroprotective Strategies Based on Targeting of Postreceptor Signaling Events.