Main description:

This open access book presents the roles and mechanisms of signal transduction triggered by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) stimulation in neuroprotection against toxic effects of risk factors of neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that nAChRs in the CNS play important roles not only in excitatory neurotransmission but also in neuronal survival and related functions. Neuroprotection mediated by nAChRs in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease is the major topic of this book. In response to rapidly evolving areas in clinical and laboratory neuropharmacology and neurochemistry, this volume provides in-depth coverage of neuroprotection in basic research and future developments in the clinical application of effective neuroprotective strategies in neurodegenerative diseases. This work appeals to both basic and clinical researchers in several fields, such as neuroscience, neurology, and pharmacology.

Contents:

1.Overview.- 2.In vivo imaging of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system.- 3.A new aspect of cholinergic transmission in the central nervous system.- 4.Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signaling: roles in neuroprotection.- 5.Regulation by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of microglial glutamate transporters: role of microglia in neuroprotection.- 6.Shati/Nat8l and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) have important roles in regulating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in neuronal and psychiatric diseases in animal models and humans.- 7.Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in regulation of pathology of cerebrovascular disorders.- 8.Roles of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the pathology and treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.- 9.SAK3-induced neuroprotection is mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.- 10.Removal of blood amyloid as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease: the influence of smoking and nicotine.