Comprehensive Toxicology, Volume 11 Nervous System and Behavioral Toxicology

Neurotoxicology is among the fastest growing of the toxicological disciplines. Recent refinements of neuropathologic techniques, meticulous validation of behavioral tests, and introduction of the tools of molecular biology have led to rapid progress in our understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of neurotoxic injury. This volume is intended to provide the reader with an appreciation of the scope of approaches taken in the mechanistic study of neurotoxic agents. The volume's 31 chapters, each contributed by recognized experts, are divided into three sections. Section 1 addresses the basic anatomical and biochemical components of the nervous system, with special attention placed on those areas where existing or emerging data have demonstrated toxic actions. This section is directed towards the nonspecialists, offering overviews of topics in neuroscience, as well as contemporary reviews of selected topics for researchers in the field. Section 2 focuses on neurobehavioral toxicology and alterations of the special issues. Specific behavioral domains and the functional consequences of their perturbation are discussed in detail. Particular emphasis has been given to research methodologies in neurobehavioral toxicology especially the appropriate use, limitations, and interpretations. Section 3 provides a survey of selected classes of compounds demonstrated to have adverse effects on nervous system structure and function. It is intended to provide current reviews of chemical-specific neurotoxicity for practitioners in neurotoxicity.