Adenosine Receptors in Neurodegenerative Diseases covers the role of adenosine receptors in brain function, also focusing on related methodologies and perspectives in therapeutics. The book provides an up-to-date overview by the best specialists in the field, helping readers consider the importance of adenosine and expand the global impact and visibility of adenosine research in the CNS field. Chapters include adenosine biology and signaling, gene regulation, control of motor function, and novel adenosine-based therapies in the CNS. It is an ideal resource for researchers, advanced graduate students, clinicians, and industry scientists working in the fields of clinical neuroscience and molecular and cellular neuroscience.

Since their discovery approximately 25 years ago, adenosine receptors have now emerged as important novel molecular targets in disease and drug discovery. These proteins play important roles in the entire spectrum of disease from inflammation to immune suppression. Because of their expression on a number of different cell types and in a number of different organ systems they play important roles in specific diseases, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, stroke, cancer, sepsis, and obesity. As a result of intense investigations into understanding the molecular structures and pharmacology of these proteins, new molecules have been synthesized that have high specificity for these proteins and are now entering clinical trials. These molecules will define the next new classes of drugs for a number of diseases with unmet medical needs.

This book is the first definitive overview on adenosine receptor antagonists and their application to the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. The effect of these novel non-dopamine drugs on vitro and in vivo systems clearly shows their potential for the treatment of this debilitating disease. This book covers how the Parkinson's disease antagonist drug, A2A, has been researched, developed, and tested. It is an essential book for researchers interested in the basal ganglia, purine biology, and Parkinson's Disease. Discusses the discovery and development of a novel non-dopaminomimetic agent for Parkinson's disease Provides the first definitive overview of adenosine antagonists and their role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease Presents a new mechanism of action of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists in motor function Proposes a hypothesis of adenosine A2A receptor function in the striatum Comprehensive overview of adenosine, its receptor subtypes, their antagonists/agonists from biochemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and neurochemistry viewpoints

This book traces the history of adenosine receptor research from molecular biology to medicinal chemistry to behavior, including their implications in disease and potential strategies as therapeutic targets. It provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the adenosine receptors that includes information on all subtypes - A1, A2A, A2B and A3. Aspects addressed include the most up to date information on their functional distribution in the nervous and peripheral systems, behavioral roles in inflammation, cancer, pain and neurological diseases such as Huntington’s disease, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Adenosine Receptors in Neurodegenerative Diseases covers the role of adenosine receptors in brain function, also focusing on related methodologies and perspectives in therapeutics. The book provides an up-to-date overview by the best specialists in the field, helping readers consider the importance of adenosine and expand the global impact and visibility of adenosine research in the CNS field. Chapters include adenosine biology and signaling, gene regulation, control of motor function, and novel adenosine-based therapies in the CNS. It is an ideal resource for researchers, advanced graduate students, clinicians, and industry scientists working in the fields of clinical neuroscience and molecular and cellular neuroscience. - Comprehensive reference that details adenosine receptors in neurodegenerative disorders, with details on brain function and possible therapeutics - Gives insights on how these receptors modulate the neurodegenerative outcomes in different disorders - Edited by two of the leading researchers in the field regarding adenosine role in the brain in aging and neurodegenerative conditions

In the present volume of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology well known experts describe the actions of different xanthines with a focus on caffeine and theophylline. A special chapter is devoted to theobromine, an active component of chocolate, the actions of which are less well characterized. This book also presents the pharmacology of one xanthine derivative, propentofylline, as an example of a xanthine that has gone through extensive development for a novel therapeutic area.

Originally confused with opioid receptors and then orphan receptors with no biological function, Sigma Receptors are now recognized as relevant to many degenerative diseases with remarkable potential as therapeutic targets. In this text, new information about the structure of sigma 1 receptor, its binding sites are provided as well as its expression in many cell types. It’s putative role in degenerative neuronal diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, pain, drug addiction and locomotor activity. Their roles in possible treatments for blinding retinal diseases emphasize the tremendous far-reaching potential for ligands for these receptors. Exciting breakthroughs in this dynamic field in the last decade are reported herein, which will guide future investigators in determining the full potential of this unique, yet abundantly expressed protein.