Dynamics of Degeneration and Growth in Neurons

Dynamics of Degeneration and Growth in Neurons is a collection of papers presented at the International Symposium on the Dynamics of Degeneration and Growth in Neurons, held in Stockholm, Sweden, on May 16-18, 1973. Contributors explore the dynamics of degeneration and growth of central and peripheral neurons, touching on a wide range of topics such as the neurotoxic action of 6-hydroxy-dopa on central catecholamine neurons; axonal transport of proteins in growing and regenerating neurons; and collateral reinnervation in the central nervous system. Comprised of 50 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of degeneration processes in central and peripheral neurons. Results of microfluorimetric and neurochemical studies on degenerating and regenerating adrenergic nerves are presented. The next section is devoted to axoplasmic transport as a mechanism for axonal support and growth and includes chapters dealing with the effects of degeneration and axoplasmic transport blockade on synaptic ultrastructure, function, and protein composition; the role of axoplasmic flow in trophism of skeletal muscle; and proximodistal transport of acetylcholine in peripheral cholinergic neurons. The remaining chapters discuss the nerve growth factor receptor and its specific binding in sympathetic ganglia; the noradrenergic innervation of cerebellar Purkinje cells; and the possible role of brain and peripheral monoamines in the ontogenesis of normal and drug-induced responses in the immature mammal. This book will be of interest to physiologists and neurologists.