Cytokines and the Brain

This book opens a new page of neuro-immunobiology providing substantive experimental and clinical data to support current understanding in the field, and potential applications of this knowledge in the treatment of disease. The volume is a collection of complex, new data drawn from multiple areas of investigation in the field. The contents summarize current understanding on the presence and function of CNS cytokines and their receptors in a variety of CNS cells during health and disease. The chapters are a collection of complex, new data demonstrating the presence and synthesis of cytokines in brain cells, as well as their receptors on cell membranes in health and disease. The strength of the volume are the descriptions of the authors own investigations, together with those of others in the field pertaining to a large number of cytokines in brain function, as well as mechanisms involved in the development of CNS disorders, including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Also included are novel approaches to the treatment of CNS disorders based on new experimental data. The contributors to this volume are internationally known scientists and clinical researchers in their respective fields of investigation and treatment.

*Opens a new page of neuro-immunobiology and provides substantive evidence for the promise of this field in the treatment of disease
*Summarizes current understanding on the presence and function of central nervous system (CNS) cytokines and their receptors in a variety of CNS cells during health and disease
*Includes novel approaches to the treatment of CNS disorders based on new experimental data
*Offers new insight into triggers for the development of autoimmune diseases in the brain and the possibilities for treatment

Inhalt

I. History
The history of Neuroimmune Biology:

II. Cytokines and in the brain;
A.Cytokines, their receptors and signal transduction in the brain;
Cytokine Receptors in the Brain;
Interleukin-1 and Corticotropin Releasing Factor Receptors in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis;
Brain interleukin-1â expression and action in the absence of neuropathology;
Interleukin 1â signal transduction via the sphingomyelin pathway in brain cells;
Blood-brain barrier transport of cytokines;

B. Cytokines in brain physiology
Cytokines in synaptic function;
Interleukin-2 as a Neuroregulatory Cytokine;
Cytokines and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in the Central Nervous System;
Acidic fibroblast growth factor, a satiety substance, variegated physiological significance;
Cytokines and Sleep;

C. Chemokines in the brain;
Chemokines, their receptors and significance in brain function;

IV. Immune response in the brain;
Immune and inflammatory responses in the CNS: modulation by astrocytes;
Immune Response in the Brain: Glial Response and Cytokine Production;

V. Cytokines in pathophysiological brain responses;
A. Brain-immune interaction
Lymphocytes and adrenergic sympathetic nerve system: the role of cytokines;
Cytokines in Neural Signaling to the Brain;
Interleukin-2 gene expression in CNS cells after stress and antigen application;
Sex hormones and cytokines in CNS pathology and repair;
Involvement of brain cytokines in stress-induced immunosuppression;
Neuroprotective Effects of Inflammation in the Nerves System;

VI. Disease;
Brain Response to Endotoxin;
Cytokines in Demyelinating Disease;
The Cytokines and Depression Hypothesis: An Evaluation;
Clinical Relevance: Cytokines in Alzheimer's Disease;

VII. Cytokines and behaviour;
Cytokines and immune-related behaviors;
The production and effects of cytokines depend on brain lateralization;