Neurodegenerative Disorders

Dahlem Workshop Reports Life Sciences Research Report 51 Neurodegenerative Disorders Mechanisms and Prospects for Therapy Edited by D.L. Price, H. Thoenen and A.J. Aguayo Neurological disorders, particularly the neurodegenerative diseases involving the central nervous system, are characterized by dysfunction and death of specific populations of nerve cells. Cellular and molecular neurobiological strategies have begun to clarify the mechanisms of neuronal degeneration and have led to the design of new approaches to prevent cell degeneration, promote cell survival, and restore the functions of diseased nerve cells. This book provides new information concerning these processes. Background papers review exciting new developments concerning: (a) the mechanisms of neuronal degeneration caused by genetic factors, excitotoxins, and calcium; (b) the molecular pathology leading to abnormalities in Alzheimer' s disease and the spongiform encephalopathies or prion diseases; (c) the biological substrates of cell differentiation, axon guidance, and target recognition during development, repair, and recovery; and (d) the potential therapeutic efficacies of growth factors and grafted cells in re-establishing circuits essential for the restoration of function. The group discussions and background papers in this Dahlem Workshop Report communicate both the excitement and enthusiasm of the participants facing the scientific challenges that are part of this important area ofMantoura, R. F. is the author of 'Neurodegenerative Disorders', published 1991 under ISBN 9780471929796 and ISBN 0471929794.