to Polymerase Chain Reaction -- Methodological Issues in Polymerase Chain Reaction for RNA -- Subtractive Hybridization of cDNA Libraries -- The Use of Differential Display RT-PCR for Identifying Altered Gene Expression in Ischemic Brain Injury -- Analysis of Gene Expression by Multiprobe RNase Protection Assay -- Molecular Probes for PNS Neurotoxicity, Degeneration, and Regeneration -- Mobility-Shift DNA-Binding Assay Using Gel Electrophoresis -- Transfection of Mammalian Cells In Vitro: Use in Analysis of Neuronal Damage -- Detection of Apoptotic Cells in the Nervous System -- Translocation Assays of Protein Kinase C Activation -- Astrocyte and Neuron Coculturing Method -- Viability Assays for Cells In Vitro: The Ethidium/Calcein Assay and the Immunofluorescence Combination Assay -- Measurement of the Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity Using the Citrulline Assay -- Measurement of Intraneuronal Free Calcium Using the Fluorescent Probe Technique -- Measurement of Calcium Buffering by Intracellular Organelles in Brain -- Receptor-Mediated Release of Inositolphosphates in Brain Slices -- The Use of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays to Quantitate Proteins in Biological Functions -- Assays for the Analysis of Synaptic Proteins in Neurodegenerative Disorders -- Zymographic Method for the Measurement of Gelatinase Activity in Brain Tissue -- The Measurement of Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Microdialysis Perfusates Using HPLC-ECD -- Biochemical Measurement of Cholinesterase Activity -- Functional Study of Glutamate Receptor Channels in Brain Slices -- Selective Silver Staining for Neural Degeneration -- Immunohistological Markers of Cerebrovascular Integrity -- Electron Probe X-Ray Microanalysis: A Quantitative Electron Microscopy Technique for Measurement of Elements and Water in Nervous Tissue Cells.

In Neurodegeneration Methods and Protocols, Jean Harry and Hugh Tilson bring together a collection of detailed, state-of-the-art techniques for studying many aspects of nervous system cell biology. The methods span a multidisciplinary range of cellular and molecular approaches to both normal and injured nervous system function, and particularly to neurodegenerative processes. Included are basic RT-PCR techniques, cell culture systems, second-messenger signaling methods, and patch-clamp techniques. Cutting-edge and authoritative, Neurodegeneration Methods and Protocols will illuminate nervous system function, injury, degeneration, and the repair/regenerative process. These powerful techniques will also allow established laboratories-both experimental and clinical-to expand their array of methods for solving research problems and help utilize multidisciplinary procedures beyond their experience.