Glutamate is the most pervasive neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite this fact, no validated biological markers, or biomarkers, currently exist for measuring glutamate pathology in CNS disorders or injuries. Glutamate dysfunction has been associated with an extensive range of nervous system diseases and disorders. Problems with how the neurotransmitter glutamate functions in the brain have been linked to a wide variety of disorders, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injury. These conditions are widespread, affecting a large portion of the United States population, and remain difficult to treat. Efforts to understand, treat, and prevent glutamate-related disorders can be aided by the identification of valid biomarkers. The Institute of Medicine's Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders held a workshop on June 21-22, 2010, to explore ways to accelerate the development, validation, and implementation of such biomarkers. Glutamate-Related Biomarkers in Drug Development for Disorders of the Nervous System: Workshop Summary investigates promising current and emerging technologies, and outlines strategies to procure resources and tools to advance drug development for associated nervous system disorders. Moreover, this report highlights presentations by expert panelists, and the open panel discussions that occurred during the workshop.

This book collates the contributions of a selected number of neuroscientists that are interested in the molecular, preclinical, and clinical aspects of neurotransmission research. The seven chapters in this book address the latest research/review data related to GABA/glutamate system's organization and function, the structure of receptors, subtypes and their ligands, as well as the translational approach and clinical implications. The book offers readers a rich collection of data regarding current and future applications of GABA and glutamate neurotransmission, including promising research strategies and potential clinical benefits.

This insightful and comprehensive book covers nearly every aspect of glutamate receptor structure and function for the working researcher and student. It condenses two previous landmark volumes into one easily accessible volume, and covers the extraordinary research and significant developments in the decade since the previous books were published. This includes the central role glutamate receptors play in neurotransmission.

The Advances in Pharmacology series presents a variety of chapters from the best authors in the field. - Includes the authority and expertise of leading contributors in pharmacology - Presents the latest release in the Advances in Pharmacology series

The Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors provides the first detailed survey of the biochemical, physiological, and pharmacological properties of recombinant ionotropic glutamate receptors. The distinguished contributors show how the molecular characteristics of these receptors account for many of the properties of native ionotropic glutamate receptors. They also examine in detail the properties of glutamate receptor subunits, including receptor modulation by phosphorylation and the anatomical localization of specific glutamate receptor subunits as determined by in situ hybridization and immunochemistry. The Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors conveys the first clear insights into the molecular bases underlying the wealth of pharmacological and physiological data on these receptors.

With contributions by numerous experts