Roles of Vasopressin and Oxytocin in Memory Processing: Volume 50(Volume 50 Advances in Pharmacology)

The Roles of Vasopressin and Oxytocin in Memory Processing reviews research progress in a subfield of Behavioral Pharmacology concerned with vasopressin's (VP's) and oxytocin (OT's) roles in memory processing (MP). As hormones, VP is well-known for its pressor and antidiuretic action, and OT for its contribution to parturition and nursing. As neurotransmitters, they participate in a wide variety of self- and species-preserving functions expressed at psychological, physiological and behavioral levels. Advances in Pharmacology is available online on ScienceDirect - full-text online of volumes 48 onwards. Elsevier book series on ScienceDirect gives multiple users throughout an institution simultaneous online access to an important compliment to primary research. Digital delivery ensures users reliable, 24-hour access to the latest peer-reviewed content. The Elsevier book series are compiled and written by the most highly regarded authors in their fields and are selected from across the globe using Elsevier's extensive researcher network. For more information about the Elsevier Book Series on ScienceDirect Program, please visit: http://www.info.sciencedirect.com/bookseries/ * Comprehensive coverage of both alternative theories and relevant research * Several key chapters reviewed by researchers whose studies and theories formed the subject matter of these chapters * Basic laboratory research focus with potential application for understanding and treating human memory disorders

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements General Introduction to Vasopressin (VP) and Oxytocin (OT): Structure/Metabolism, Evolutionary Aspects, Neural Pathway/Receptor Distribution and Functional Aspects Relevant to Memory Processing (MP) De Wied and Colleagues I: Evidence for a VP and OT Influence on MP: Launching the “VP/OT Central Memory Theory” De Wied and Colleagues II: Further Clarification of the Roles of VP and OT in MP De Wied and Colleagues III: Brain Sites and Transmitter Systems Involved in the VP and OT Influence on MP De Wied & Colleagues IV: Research into Mechanisms of Action by which VP and OT Influence MP The Research Studies of Koob and Colleagues: The “ VP/Dual Action Theory” Contributions of Sahgal and Colleagues: The “VP Central Arousal Theory” Role of Attentional Processing in Mediating VP’s Influence on MP Expansion of VP and OT Memory Research I: Effects of their Peripheral Administration on Learning and Memory Expansion of VP and OT Memory Research II: Brain Structures and Transmitter Systems Involved in VP’s and OT’s Effects on MP Expansion of VP and OT Memory Research III: Research Summary and Commentary on Theoretical and Methodological Issues Research Contributions of Dantzer, Bluthe and Colleagues to the Study of VP’s Role in Rodent Olfactory-Based Social Recognition Memory (SRM) Expansion of Olfactory-Based Social SRM Research: The Roles of VP and OT in SRM The Brain Fluid Barriers: Relevance for Theoretical Controversies Regarding VP/OT Memory Research Closing Remarks: Review and Commentary on Selected Aspects of VP’s and OT’s Roles in MP References

Review :
"This book is really a must for all neurobiologists since it not only clarifies the reasons for the many controversies about the exact roles of vasopressin and oxytocin in memory processing, but it also provides those researchers who are interested in functionality as well as mechanisms a guide to avoid the dangers that are inherent to such research. Barbara McEwen's book comes at the right time since the current tendency favored by most granting institutions and amplified by the intrusion of news in science is to extrapolate from more or less sophisticated in vitro studies to in vivo functions in both normal and clinical conditions. In these times of sweeping generalizations, it is important to remember that results of any research carried out within the context of a given experimental paradigm are only valid for that particular paradigm. Barbara McEwen must be thanked for reiterating this lesson even though it took 654 pages and more than 1000 bibliographical references to do so!" --Robert Dantzer, Integrative Neurobiology, DNRS-INRA, University of Bordeaux2, Institut Francois Magendie, 3077 Bordeaux Cedex, FRANCE for Psychoneuroendocrinology (July 2005)