Main description:

This series has been directed at providing scientists possessing considerable bio chemical background with specialized reviews of neurobiological interest. Some have dealt with completed bodies of research, while others consist of extensive reports of research in progress, judged to be of current interest to the active researcher. We have selected recognized scientists and allowed them freedom to reflect and speculate in the field in which they have achieved prom inence. We note with sadness the passing of Dr. 10rdi FoIch-Pi, who served as an advisory editor when the series was initiated. He played a central role in the development of neurochemistry, as well as the creation of professional societies and journals. He will be remembered fondly by all those whose lives he touched. The editors acknowledge the cooperation of the Upjohn Company in the preparation of the color plate included in this volume. We also acknowledge the skillful editorial assistance of Dr. Kenneth C. Leskawa. We are pleased to honor the retirement of Dr. E. Martin Gal, a former advisory editor of Advances, with the inclusion of a chapter by him in this volume.

Contents:

1 The Radioactive Deoxyglucose Method: Theory, Procedure, and Applications for the Measurement of Local Glucose Utilization in the Central Nervous System.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Theoretical Basis of the Radioactive 2-Deoxyglucose Method.- 2.1. Biochemical Properties of 2-Deoxyglucose in Brain.- 2.2. Description of Theoretical Model.- 2.3. Mathematical Analysis of Model.- 3. Experimental Procedure for Measurement of Local Cerebral Glucose Utilization.- 3.1. Theoretical Considerations in the Design of the Procedure.- 3.2. Experimental Protocol.- 3.3. Autoradiographic Measurement of Tissue 14C Concentration.- 4. Theoretical and Practical Considerations and Limitations.- 4.1. The Rate Constants.- 4.2. The Lumped Constant.- 4.3. Role of Glucose-6-Phosphatase.- 4.4. Influence of Varying Plasma Glucose Concentration.- 4.5. [14C] Deoxyglucose vs. [14C] Glucose.- 5. Rates of Local Cerebral Glucose Utilization in the Normal Conscious State.- 6. Effects of General Anesthesia.- 7. Relation between Local Functional Activity and Energy Metabolism.- 7.1. Effects of Increased Functional Activity.- 7.2. Effects of Decreased Functional Activity.- 8. Mechanism of Coupling of Local Functional Activity and Energy Metabolism.- 9. Applications of the Deoxyglucose Method.- 9.1. Neurophysiological and Neuroanatomical Applications.- 9.2. Pharmacological Applications.- 9.3. Pathophysiological Applications.- 10. Recent Technological Developments.- 10.1. Sequential Double-Label Modification.- 10.2. Computerized Color-Coded Image Processing.- 10.3. Microscopic Resolution.- 10.4. The [18F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Technique.- 11. Concluding Remarks.- 12. References.- 2 Biosynthesis and Function of Unconjugated Pterins in Mammalian Tissues.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Chemistry and Isolation.- 2.1. Chemistry.- 2.2. Isolation.- 3. Occurrence of Pterins.- 4. Metabolism.- 4.1. Biosynthesis of Pterins in Vivo.- 4.2. Biosynthesis of Pterins in Vitro.- 5. Enzymology of Biopterin Biosynthesis.- 5.1. Reaction of GTP to FPyd-P3.- 5.2. d-Erythro-q-Dihydroneopterin Triphosphate Synthetase.- 5.3. l-Erythrodihydrobiopterin synthetase.- 6. Catabolism of Pterins in Mammalian Tissues.- 7. Cofactorial Functions.- 7.1. Hydroxylases.- 7.2. Oxygenases and Other Enzymes.- 7.3. Mitochondrial Respiration.- 8. Pharmacological Aspects.- 9. Conclusion.- 10. References.- 3 The Gangliosides.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Chemistry and Analysis of Gangliosides.- 2.1. Chemical Composition.- 2.2. Nomenclature.- 2.3. Chemical Synthesis.- 2.4. Chemical and Enzymatic Alterations.- 2.5. Preparation of Gangliosides.- 2.6. Physicochemical Characteristics of Gangliosides.- 3. Biochemical Properties of Gangliosides.- 3.1. Occurrence in Nature.- 3.2. Metabolism.- 3.3. Changes in Vivo in Ganglioside Composition.- 3.4. Immunologic Properties of Gangliosides.- 3.5. Biological Effects of Gangliosides on Nerve Tissue.- 4. Binding Properties of Gangliosides.- 4.1. Interaction of Gangliosides with Toxins, Hormones, and Interferon.- 4.2. Interaction with Neurotropic Agents.- 4.3. Interaction with Fibronectin (LETS Protein).- 5. Concluding Remarks.- 6. References.