Humana Ion Channel Localization (Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology)

Experienced researchers at the cutting-edge of their fields describe how to use current and developing technologies to determine the exact location of ion channels and receptors in cells and cell membranes. With emphasis on techniques employing the unique properties of these proteins, the core topics of the book include all the major pharmacological tools for ion channel determination. Also covered are fluorescent and radioligand assays, exciting new visualization methods employing green fluorescent protein (GFP), and novel assays based on the functional properties of ion channels and receptors, as well as rapidly developing atomic force microscopy methodologies. Comprehensive and rich in practical detail, Ion Channel Localization Methods and Protocols brings together in a single volume detailed reviews of all the major techniques-both currently in use and in development-for localizing ion channels and receptors in cells, tissues, and organisms. Review "There is a nice balance of review and methodology, with an emphasis on methodological principles. The scope of the book provides a rich and comprehensive review of staid and state-of-the-art localization techniques and their rationales for use. This is a singular and needed addition to the field of ion channel physiology, cell biology and neurobiology"-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal "...both timely and will be of considerable interest to researchers of ion channel function....This book represents a collection of 24 methods of ion channel localization written by leading specialists and divided into four main parts. The first part concentrates on the fluorescent and radioligand binding of channel or receptors with specific pharmacological agents or toxins....Thus, the second part of this book concentrates on the quantification and cellular or subcellular visualization of ion channel expression in oocytes and immortal cell lines using green fluorescent proteins (GFP)....The third section of Ion Channel Localization: Methods and Protocols utilizes the functional properties of the channels for localization....One of the major achievements of Ion Channel Localization: Methods and Protocols in gathering so many of today's technologies of channel visualization is the candid and detailed descriptions the authors have provided of the advantages, pitfalls and 'tricks of the trade' of the methods under discussion. Descriptions are such I am confident that many scientists will be tempted to have a go themselves." - Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology From the Back Cover Although there are many useful books on virtually every aspect of ion channel structure and function, work on channel localization-determining the specific sites of ion channels and their receptors on cells-has long been neglected. In Ion Channel Localization: Methods and Protocols, active researchers at the cutting-edge of their fields describe how to use current and developing technologies to determine the exact cell sites of such channels and receptors. With emphasis on techniques employing the unique properties of these proteins, the core topics of the book include all the major pharmacological tools for ion channel determination. Also covered are fluorescent and radioligand assays, exciting new visualization methods employing green fluorescent protein (GFP), and novel assays based on the functional properties of ion channels and receptors, as well as rapidly developing atomic force microscopy methodologies. Comprehensive and rich in practical detail, Ion Channel Localization: Methods and Protocols brings together in a single volume detailed reviews of all the major techniques-both currently in use and in development-for localizing ion channels and receptors in cells, tissues, and organisms.