Molecular and Cellular Physiology of Neurons: Second Edition

by Gordon L. Fain, Thomas O'Dell (Contribution by), Margery J. Fain (Illustrator)

Overview

Molecular and Cellular Physiology of Neurons: Second Edition is a comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to essential concepts of cellular neuroscience. Emphasizing experimental approaches and recent discoveries, it provides an in-depth look at the structure and function of nerve cells, from protein receptors and synapses to the biochemical processes that drive the mammalian nervous system.

Starting with the basics of electrical current flow across cell membranes, Gordon Fain covers voltage gating and receptor activation in the context of channel diversity, excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission, neuromodulation, and sensory transduction. Emphasizing long-term processes of synaptic potentiation and depression involved in memory, consciousness, and attention, he demonstrates how cells produce neural signals and regulate signal flow to enhance or impede cell-to-cell communication. Fain also addresses the relation of molecular and cellular mechanisms to evolving theories of neurological disease and addiction.

Enhanced by more than two hundred illustrations, Molecular and Cellular Physiology of Neurons: Second Edition is intended for anyone who seeks to understand the fundamentals of nerve cell function, including undergraduate and graduate students in neuroscience, students of bioengineering and cognitive science, and practicing neuroscientists who want to deepen their knowledge of recent discoveries in molecular and cellular neurophysiology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674967489
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	01/05/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	765
File size:	28 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Gordon L. Fain is Distinguished Professor of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Ophthalmology, and Neuroscience at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Table of Contents

Contents

Preface

1. Introduction

Part One: Electrical Properties of Cells and Homeostasis

2. Electrical Properties of Neurons

3. Ion Permeability and Membrane Potentials

4. Ion Pumps and Homeostasis

Part Two: Active Propagation of Neural Signals

5. Action Potentials: The Hodgkin-Huxley Experiments

6. The Structure and Function of Voltage-Gated Na+ and K+ Channels

7. The Diversity of Ion Channels

Part Three: Synaptic Transmission and Ligand-Gated Channels

8. Presynaptic Mechanisms of Synaptic Transmission (revised by Thomas J. O’Dell)

9. Excitatory Transmission

10. Inhibitory Transmission (revised by Thomas J. O’Dell)

Color Illustrations

Part Four: Metabotropic Transmission and Neuromodulation

11. Metabotropic Transmission: Receptors and G Proteins

12. Metabotropic Transmission: Effector Molecules

13. Metabotropic Transmission: Calcium

14. Long- Term Potentiation (originally written and newly revised by Thomas J. O’Dell)

Part Five: Sensory Transduction

15. Mechanoreceptors

16. Photoreceptors and Olfactory Receptor Neurons

Appendix: Symbols Used

References

Index

Editorial Reviews

I have used Fain’s book for over a decade at Harvard University for my cellular neuroscience class. It offers the perfect mix of rigorous exposition and distilled insights on what makes neurons tick. With clear illustrations (often adapted from original figures from seminal papers in the field), a fluid narrative and careful choice of topics, the book is exceptionally well-suited for a serious introduction to the physiology of neurons. The new edition is a welcome update to an already wonderful original.
-- Venkatesh N. Murthy, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University

This book should be essential reading for budding and professional neuroscientists alike. With a new edition, Gordon Fain brings one right up to date on current issues and techniques across a wide range of topics and yet manages to capture the historical source and importance of these ideas as well. No desk should be without access to a copy.
-- Jonathan Ashmore, Bernard Katz Professor of Biophysics, University College London

Fain explains complex concepts with exquisite clarity.
-- David Wallis New Scientist

I find Fain’s approach remarkably refreshing.
-- Jonathan Ashmore Trends in Neuroscience

An excellent work.
-- D. M. Senseman Choice

From the Publisher