Molecular Imaging In Neuroscience

This book reflects the recent dramatic advances in the use of modern imaging techniques to visualize and quantify the various components of cell structure and cell functional activity in the nervous system. Readers will find detailed protocols for imaging neurotransmitter and receptor mRNAs using radioactive and non-radioactive in situ hybridization technology. Methods for visualizing transmitter and drug receptors using quantitative autoradiography, sequence-specific antibodies, and immunocytochemistry are also clearly described. Plus, the book covers the imaging of biological activity in living cells, including methods of monitoring intracellular pH and calcium mobilization using selective ion-sensitive dyes in conjunction with flow cytometry and video microscopy. This is an essential guide for researchers wanting to exploit these powerful new techniques for their studies in neuropharmacology, neuroanatomy, neurogenetics, neuropathology, and pharmaceutical research. receptors, and receptor function in the nervous system. They represent the state of the art for studying brain function and dysfunction in the laboratory. It will be of major interest to neuroscientists and pharmacologists.