This means that many neuroanatomists may balk at the functional interpretation I have given their sort of data, whereas many neuroscien tists in other fields may balk at references to neuroanatomy they cannot confirm from memory and begrudge the time to look up. Members of both groups may consequently decline to read the book on the ground that it is too risky or too difficult to follow, or both. Let me say, in my own defence, that although the argument presented here draws upon data from a number of different fields, they fit together in ways that are often quite striking; that the problem of memory is in itself an important one; and that theory in neuroscience, if it is to fulfill its function of unifying our understanding by way of testable propositions, has got, at some point, to become interdisciplinary. I submit that the present theory meets those requirements and may therefore justify the effort it asks of the reader. To the extent that it passes the critical test of experiment, it will also give research in the fields related to memory a clearer rationale, thereby, perhaps, saving time. Introduction What follows is an outline of the theory of memory functions developed in this monograph. It will not include the supporting data and references used throughout in the text, but will simply present the essentials of the argument.

Cortical Memory Functions

C.M. Fair

Health, Fitness & Dieting

BirkhÃ¤user

<p>JAMES L. MCGAUGH Understanding of the nature and functions of neurotransmitter systems in the brain has increased enormously in recent decades. Lack of knowledge required us, not too long ago, to use the adjective "putative" when discussing transmitters. Such caution is no longer essential (at least for a number of transmitters). Impressive progress has been achieved in understanding the pharmacology, biochemistry and anatomy of transmitter systems. There has, however, been relatively less progress in understanding the functioning of brain transmitters in regulating and mediating behavior. A simple and certainly correct explanation for this is, of course, that understanding of neurotransmitter functions requires prior detailed knowledge of basic pharmacology, biochemistry and anatomy. Beyond that, it now seems likely that progress in understanding the functions of brain neurotransmitters will proceed only as we examine the interactions of neurotransmitter systems in regulating behavioral functions. This premise is, of course, suggested by the findings of studies of the chemical neuroanatomy of the brain: Neurotransmitter systems are influenced by other neurotransmitter systems and, in tum, influence the same as well as other systems. No system works alone. The chapters in this book explicitly examine the interactions of neurotransmitter systems involved in the regulation of cognitive processes. The facts and interpretations offered provide compelling support for the premise that cognitive processes are orchestrated by interactions among neurotransmitter systems. And, they offer promise that understanding of such interactions will be of critical importance in the develop ment of treatments for brain diseases affecting cognitive functioning.</p>

Neurotransmitter Interactions and Cognitive Function

Edward D. Levin

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Books by BirkhÃ¤user

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the BirkhÃ¤user publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Cortical Memory Functions

Neurotransmitter Interactions and Cognitive Function