Sigma Receptors: Volume 12(Volume 12 Neuroscience Perspectives)

This is the 12th in the Neuroscience Perspectives Series. The existence of sigma receptors in the central nervous system has only relatively recently been established. In line with the aims of Neuroscience Perspectives, this volume will cover the historical background of the subject, together with the physiological, molecular biological and pharmacological aspects, with a discussion on the concept of sigma receptors subtypes and their postulated relevance for CNS disorders.

Table of Contents:
Dedication. Contributors. Series Preface. Preface. Historical Perspective: Evolution of the Concept of Sigma Receptor. Sigma Receptors in the Central Nervous System and the Periphery. Structure-Activity Relationships and Evolution of Sigma Receptor Ligands (1976-present). Multiple Sigma Binding Sites in the Brain. Interaction of Sigma Receptors with Signal Transduction Pathways and Effects on Second Messengers. Recent Evidence for Endogenous Substance(s) for Sigma Receptors. Potential Therapeutic Application of Sigma Receptor Antagonists. Role of Sigma Receptors in Brain Mechanisms of Movement. Imaging Sigma Receptors and Cerebral Responses to Sigma Drugs. Effects of Cytochrome P-450 Ligands on the Binding of [3H]dextromethorphan and Sigma Ligands to Guinea Pig Brain. Putative Interactions Between Sigma Binding Sites and Neuropeptide Y. Role of Sigma Binding Sites in the Modulation of Endocrine and Immune Functions. The Sigma Receptor: Concluding Remarks/Future Vistas. Index.

About the Author :
Professor Peter Jenner is a specialist in preclinical aspects of neurodegenerative diseases, notably Parkinson’s disease. He has spent the major part of his career at King’s College London where he was Head of Pharmacology for 14 years before returning to his research roots and subsequently becoming Emeritus Professor of Pharmacology. Peter has expertise in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics but neuropharmacology based on functional models of neurodegenerative diseases has formed the major focus of his work. Peter holds a BPharm, PhD and DSc degree from the University of London. He has published well over 1000 articles with more than 700 peer reviewed papers. He is a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the British Pharmacological Society, the Royal Society of Medicine and of King’s College London. Peter was recently honoured with a Doctor Honoris Causa degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest and made an Honorary Fellow of The British Pharmacological Society for his contribution to research in to movement disorders. Peter has worked closely with the pharmaceutical industry for many years and acts as an adviser and consultant to both major pharma and biotech companies. He has a wide knowledge of the drug discovery and drug development process and has been involved from molecule synthesis through to drug registration for use in man. Peter was the Founder, Director and Chief Scientific Officer of Proximagen, a biotech focussed on the treatment and cure of neurodegenerative diseases that was listed on AIMs and subsequently purchased by a US based healthcare company. He is a regular speaker at international meetings and also takes time to speak at Parkinson’s disease patient-carer groups across the UK.