Overview

Some of the molecules critical for building neuronal contacts have been shown to be affected in psychiatric disorders such as autism and mental retardation. Also, a reduction in synapse number in specific brain regions has been found in patients with brain disorders. Thus, imbalance in synaptic contact formation may result in the formation of abnormal neuronal circuits and the aberrant behavior manifested in these brain diseases. Recent findings also suggest that fine tuning of neuronal circuits rather than a major loss of neurons may be the cause of some of these brain disorders. In certain cases, loss of neurons could be a secondary event reflecting problems in improper neuronal communication.

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9781280716287

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From the reviews: This volume provides a comprehensive overview and perspectives on the interplay between development, maturity, and disease that is valuable to the newcomer and expert alike. One strength of this volume is that it highlights the breadth of the many experimental systems and approaches that are used to study normal development as well as synaptic defects associated with human diseases. This volume provides an excellent resource to both established investigators and newcomers to the field. (Ethan G. Hughes and Rita J. Balice-Gordon, Neuron, Vol. 53, 2007)

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