Humana Adrenergic Receptor Protocols: 126 (Methods in Molecular Biology)

Adrenergic receptors are important modulators in the sympathetic c- trol of various metabolic processes in the central and peripheral nervous s- tems. These receptors are localized at multiple sites throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and serve as important regulators of CNS-mediated behavior and neural functions, including mood, memory, neuroendocrine c- trol, and stimulation of autonomic function. Adrenergic Receptor Protocols consists of 35 chapters dealing with va- ous aspects of adrenergic receptor analyses, including the use of genetic, RNA, protein expression, transactivator, second messenger, immunocytochemical, electrophysiological, transgenic, and in situ hybridization approaches. This volume details the use of various methods to examine the adrenergic receptor system, using aspects of the genetic flow of information as a guide (DNA? RNA ? transactivator ? protein expression ? second messenger analyses ? cellular analyses ? transgenic whole animal approaches). Adrenergic Receptor Protocols displays step-by-step methods for s- cessful replication of experimental procedures, and would be useful for both experienced investigators and newcomers in the field, including those beg- ning graduate study or undergoing postdoctoral training. The Notes section contained in each chapter provides valuable troubleshooting guides to help develop working protocols for your laboratory. With Adrenergic Receptor Protocols, it has been my intent to develop a comprehensive collection of modern molecular methods for analyzing adrenergic receptors. I would like to thank the many chapter authors for their contributions. From the Back Cover In Adrenegic Receptor Protocols, Curtis Machida and a panel of expert investigators present a comprehensive collection of modern molecular methods for analyzing adrenergic receptors and corresponding second messenger systems. These proven and readily reproducible techniques utilize genetic, RNA, protein expression, transactivator, and second messenger methodologies, as well as immunocytochemical, electrophysiological, transgenic, and in situ hybridization approaches. Each of the experts writing here details the use of their chosen method in examining the adrenergic receptor system, using aspects of the genetic flow of information as a guide: DNA ' RNA ' transactivator ' protein expression ' second messenger analyses ' cellular analyses ' transgenic whole animal approaches. Comprehensive and rich in practical detail, Adrenergic Receptor Protocols provides the first collection of reproducible methods for the study of these important regulators of CNS-mediated behavior and neural function. Its state-of-the-art methods constitute today's gold standard reference for all neurobiologists, neurochemists, neurologists, and pharmacologists studying this exceptionally important class of receptors.