Our understanding of the functional mechanisms relating dopamine activity to normal and abnormal behavior has been turned "upside-down" by the recent developments described in the chapters of this volume. Heretofore, it was generally agreed that all of the pharmacological and behavioral properties ascribed to dopamine systems were mediated via activation or inhibition of the subtype of dopamine receptors termed D2. The properties of these receptors were first characterized in 1975 following their identification by receptor binding techniques utilizing 3H-butyrophenones, potent antipsychotic drugs, used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Although another subtype of dopamine receptor had already been identified a few years earlier, now termed the Dl receptor, its functional properties were unknow- other than the fact that it was associated with the activation of the enzyme adenylate cyclase. Our absence of knowledge of the behavioral functions of this receptor stemmed primarily from the lack of selective agonist and antagonists for DI receptors - drugs which did not also interact with D2 receptors. Selective agents for D2 receptors did exist and hence the behavioral roles of D2 receptors were easily ascribed. The work described in this text is primarily stimulated by the development of two selective Dl receptor drugs - the antagonist SCH 23390 and the agonist SKF 38393. The studies described herein clearly show that D1 receptors do indeed have many behavioral functions, on the surface often similar to those responses mediated by D2 receptors.

The development of a selective D1 dopamine (DA) receptor antagonist SCH 23390 stimulated a number of studies on the functions mediated by central DA receptor subtypes. It was generally assumed that the central D1 DA receptor isa molecular entity whose function awaits further discovery. The papers presented in this volume clearly show that this is no longer the case and that D1 DA receptors have many behavioral fuctions which might be altered in pathological states. A number of papers have recognized the interdependence of the regulatory functions of the D1 DA receptors with D2 and other receptor proteins, and vice versa. The biochemical, pharmacological and morphological characterization of the D1 and D2 DA receptor binding proteins, as well as of DARPP-32, illustrates the complex interactions between various macromolecules. Procedures described for the purification of the D1 and D2 DA receptor subtypes are fundamental for future studies on the mechanisms involved in the coupling of the receptor proteins with signal transducing systems. Several studies in this volume show that D1 DA receptors have behavioral functions and that they are often similar to the responses mediated by D2 DA receptors, but in some instances reflect divergent neuronal activity of both systems. The knowledge of the physiology and biochemistry of the central DA receptor subtypes could lead to the development of a new generation of drugs which ameliorate some mental and neurological dysfunctions without producing severe undesirable side effects.

With contributions by numerous experts

The Encyclopedia of Movement Disorders is a comprehensive reference work on movement disorders, encompassing a wide variety of topics in neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and pharmacology. This compilation will feature more than 300 focused entries, including sections on different disease states, pathophysiology, epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools, as well as discussions on relevant basic science topics. This Encyclopedia is an essential addition to any collection, written to be accessible for both the clinical and non-clinical reader. Academic clinicians, translational researchers and basic scientists are brought together to connect experimental findings made in the laboratory to the clinical features, pathophysiology and treatment of movement disorders. The Encyclopedia targets a broad readership, ranging from students to general physicians, basic scientists and Movement Disorder specialists. Published both in print and via Elsevier’s online platform of Science Direct, this Encyclopedia will have the enhanced option of integrating traditional print with online multimedia. Connects experimental findings made in the laboratory to the clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment of movement disorders Encompasses a wide variety of topics in neurology neurosurgery, psychiatry, and pharmacology Written for a broad readership ranging from students to general physicians, basic scientists, and movement disorder specialists

Tourette syndrome (TS) has become increasingly recognised within society and has gained scientific interest worldwide. Knowledge of its clinical presentation, mechanisms of disease, and available treatment approaches has increased remarkably over the last two decades. Likewise, the way clinicians, teachers, social care workers, and families face the problems manifested by patients with TS is rapidly evolving. Tourette Syndrome, edited by Davide Martino and James F. Leckman, offers a unique opportunity to capture this knowledge advance through a comprehensive and up-to-date overview. Tourette Syndrome covers all the main aspects related to TS, analyzing its complex clinical presentation, the novel viewpoints of causes and mechanisms, state-of-the-art assessment techniques, and the diversity of treatment options. Multidisciplinarity is the main asset of this volume, which represents a source of consultation for a wide audience of professionals, integrated with video tutorials related to particularly complex areas of patient management. Medical and PhD students, as well as post-doctoral scientists, will be able to use the volume as a valuable learning source.

This text presents the fundamentals of biochemistry and related topics for all those pursuing medical or other health-related fields such as clinical chemistry, medical technology, or pharmacology.