Author Description

This book provides a coherent account of neurotoxins in neurobiology, emphasizing their exciting potential. Neurotoxins have great relevance to biochemistry, neurochemistry and pharmacology, and there is a developing interest in the possible medical use of controlled doses of some toxins in the treatment of certain conditions (hypertension, for example). The book contains contributions from leading authorities in the subject. Opening with a major chapter on the diversity of naturally-occurring toxins and their sites of action, and including information on how toxins are obtained and fractionated, there is also tabulation of toxin sources and their nature and actions. Subsequent chapters provide in-depth coverage of the most important of the toxins, covering their mechanisms of action and potential uses. The final part of the book looks at synthetic toxins and their possible relationships to CNS diseases, with detailed information on any new or important aspects of their behaviour.