The basal ganglia pathophysiology : recent advances

Abstract

The term Basal Ganglia in English first appeared courtesy of David Ferrier writing in 1876 and as an adaptation of the German term, Stammganglion, coined by Forel in 1872. It was, without any doubt, better than Buttocks, Galen’s earlier definition! However, the anatomical network of the basal ganglia circuits was not outlined with any degree of precision until the 20th century. During the last couple of centuries, advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of the basal ganglia have represented one of the success stories of medicine. Nevertheless, although an enormous amount of experimental evidence has revealed the pivotal role of this group of nuclei in largely diverse motor, behavioural, physiological and pathological processes, we are far away from a comprehensive understanding of the BG. Perhaps in no other area of Neuroscience than the study of the BG has the confluence of basic science and clinical investigation been so fruitful. I hope that the book entitled "The Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology: Recent Advances" continues that tradition. Indeed, the idea for this book was born to provide a unique environment for the open presentation and discussion of new and challenging information about the basal ganglia as it relates to health and disease, covering all areas of basic science and research. The book is composed of thirteen review articles by prestigious scientists in the field of neuroscience. Specific topics include circuitry, modelling, behaviour, physiology, movement disorders, neuropathology, neurotransmitters, pharmacology, immunology, and treatments for BG disorders, functional imaging, and much more. In this book, each prestigious group of scientists updates and outlines the most recent and outstanding results of individual studies on the BG physiopathology in their own research fields. As editor responsible for the realization of this book, I indeed hope that these articles will provide the essential information and knowledge required for the future progression as well as development of ongoing studies in the field by the readers of different disciplines. I hope that this volume will be useful for all researchers in the fields of neurobiology, neuroanatomy, and neuropharmacology and also for students of other disciplines. I wish to dedicate this book to Giuseppe Amato, neurophysiologist, who prematurely departed this life at the beginning of winter 2004. He was a great lecturer and scientist. He would have celebrated it with me, but, he would also have challenged me to even greater heights.