Publisher's Synopsis
Redox-active metals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous neurological disorders. Redox-active metals catalyze reactions that are essential for normal nervous system function, but they also participate in the generation of toxic free-radical species. Cells of the nervous system have several protective mechanisms that are designed to defend against the damaging effects of free radicals. Nevertheless, over time or under conditions of disease, these protective functions become overwhelmed, and tissue damage occurs. Because the brain has a limited capacity for recovery after injury, even mild to moderate tissue damage can have life-long consequences. Free-radical damage occurs in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and several other common and rare neurological disorders.;The relative contribution of this type of damage varies widely among different neurological diseases, but in many instances it appears to be a significant factor in the development of pathologic conditions. This volume presents the latest developments and ideas related to the pathogenic roles of redox-active metals in the neurological diseases. Furthermore, contributions dealing with therapeutic interventions that are directed at countering these pathogenic mechanisms are included.
