Handbook of neurochemistry and molecular neurobiology: Sensory neurochemistry

Abstract

It has been a singular challenge to organize a volume on sensory systems that appropriately reflects the intent of this new edition of the Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology. The physiology of sensory systems relies as much on highly specialized cellular and tissue morphology as it does on unique neurochemical pathways. Hence, this volume has emerged as a series of discussions that move continually, seamlessly we hope, between molecular and anatomical views of sensory function. It is by no means comprehensive, leaving room for additional chapters and updates, as befitting on-line publications such as this one. Nevertheless, every major sensory system is represented, each with its own blend of molecular, anatomic, and genetic components. Emphasis has been placed on presenting new discoveries and insights, rather than providing a textbook review of basic principles. The "somatosensory system" is discussed by Dr. Roe in a demanding and insightful chapter, which convincingly demonstrates that positional relationships within the cortex encode for the essential quality of touch, namely the source of the incoming somatosensory signal with respect to the body plan. The "visual system" is presented by Dr. Sharma and myself from two perspectives: development and degeneration. Together, these views provide not only an appreciation of normal retinal function but also highlight the utility of the visual system as a powerful model for uncovering internal and external clues for development and death of all CNS neurons. Drs.Wu and Zuo in their chapter on the "auditory system" emphasize exciting new findings fromtheir own work, which explains the important role of cochlear amplification as a major requirement for auditory processing. Chapters on the chemical senses, "gustation" (by Drs. Smith and Boughter) and "olfaction" (by Dr. Ennis et al.), focus more on new concepts of the neurochemistry and molecular biology of transduction events and as such perhaps fit more neatly in the mold set by other volumes in the handbook. The last two chapters address additional aspects of the chemical senses, namely "glucose sensing" (by Dr. Roth et al.) and "CO2/H+ homeostasis" (by Drs. Lahiri et al.). In these cases, the term "sensory system" is used in the broadest sense, and discussions include a diversity of cell types and tissue locations that function collectively to monitor the internal milieu. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.