Brain Biochemistry

1 Introduction.- 1.1 Regional cerebral metabolism.- 1.2 Cerebral requirements for glucose and oxygen.- References.- 2 Appearance of the brain.- 2.1 Gross appearance.- 2.2 Fluid compartments.- 2.3 Microscopic appearance.- 2.3.1 Neurones.- 2.3.2 Glial cells.- 2.3.3 The synapse.- References.- 3 Neurotransmission.- 3.1 The resting potential.- 3.2 The sodium pump.- 3.3 The action potential and nerve conduction.- 3.4 Chemical events at the synapse.- 3.4.1 Identification and occurrence of neurotransmitters.- 3.4.2 The quantum hypothesis.- 3.4.3 Metabolism of acetylcholine.- 3.4.4 Catecholamines: noradrenaline and dopamine.- 3.4.5 5-Hydroxytryptamine.- 3.4.6 Breakdown of the biogenic amines.- 3.4.7 Metabolism of the neuroactive amino acids.- 3.4.8 The neuroactive peptides.- 3.5 Origin of synaptic vesicles.- 3.6 Post-synaptic events.- 3.6.1 Involvement of cyclic nucleotides.- 3.6.2 Receptors.- 3.7 Neurone-axonal transport.- 3.7.1 Mechanism of transport in axoplasmic flow.- 3.7.2 Axonal protein synthesis.- References.- 4 Adaptive processes in the brain.- 4.1 Inducible enzymes.- 4.1.1 Adaptation to specific substrates.- 4.1.2 Adaptation to the product of an alternate pathway.- 4.1.3 Adaptation involving coenzyme.- 4.1.4 Adaptation in response to hormones.- 4.2 Adaptation to the environment.- 4.2.1 Light.- 4.2.2 The pineal gland.- 4.3 Drug tolerance and dependence.- 4.3.1 Morphine.- 4.3.2 Amphetamines.- 4.3.3 Ethanol.- 4.4 Learning and memory as adaptive processes?.- References.