Circumventricular organs and brain fluid environment: molecular and functional aspects

This volume provides a picture of the state of the art and of the perspectives opened by new powerful approaches to the study of the structure and function of "Circumventricular Organs" (CVOs).

Studies on the CVOs reflected in this book comprise many aspects, from cellular elements to the whole organism: the accessibility of these organs for chemical signals, signal (ligand)-receptor interactions, the transfer of information to distinct brain regions, the effects induced in these brain regions and the influence on the regulation of body functions including autonomic and behavioral alterations.

Some of these aspects strongly depend upon the microenvironment of the cells involved in this cascade of events.

Therefore, the brain fluid environment in its broadest sense is a central focus.;This excellent work is therefore an up-to-date report on interdisciplinary approaches and concepts, offering new insights into the complex phenomena of brain function, and shows directions in which to proceed.