Biochemical and Pharmacological Roles of Adenosylmethionine and the Central Nervous System

Proceedings of an International Round Table on Adenosylmethionine and the Central Nervous System, Naples, Italy, May 1978

Vincenzo Zappia, Earl Usdin, Francesco Salvatore, Vincenzo Zappia, Earl Usdin, Francesco Salvatore

• Publisher: Pergamon
• Year: 2013
• Print ISBN:
  9780080249292
• eBook ISBN:
  9781483159874
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Pharmacology

Biochemical and Pharmacological Roles of Adenosylmethionine and the Central Nervous System contains the proceedings of an International Round Table on Adenosylmethionine and the Central Nervous System held in Naples, Italy, on May 2, 1978. The papers explore the biochemical and pharmacological roles of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), with particular emphasis on its functions in the central nervous system (CNS). This book consists of 13 chapters and opens with an introduction to some novel biochemical aspects of SAM and related sulfur compounds, paying particular attention to transmethylation reactions; polyamine biosynthesis and unusual biological roles of adenosylmethionine; metabolic pathways related to adenosine-sulfur compounds; and transport of adenosylmethionine. The following chapters discuss a number of chemical and biochemical properties of SAM as well as its pharmacological aspects within the CNS. The relation between folate and adenosylmethionine metabolism in the brain is examined, along with the effect of SAM administration on noradrenaline and serotonin metabolism in rat brain; cerebral utilization of adenosylmethionine and adenosylhomocysteine; and antidepressant effects of adenosylmethionine. Methylation in schizophrenia is also considered. This monograph will be a valuable source of information for biochemists and pharmacologists.

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Biochemical and Pharmacological Roles of Adenosylmethionine and the Central Nervous System
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• Preface
• Abbreviations
• Contributors
• Chapter 1. Novel Aspects in the Biochemistry of Adenosylmethionine and Related Sulfur Compounds
• Chapter 2. The Chemical Properties of Sulfonium Compounds
• Chapter 3. Analysis and Distribution of Adenosyl-methionine and Adenosylhomocysteine in Mammalian Tissues
• Chapter 4. Protein Methylation: Perspectives in Central Nervous System
• Chapter 5. The Relation Between Folate and Adenosylmethionine Metabolism in Brain
• Chapter 6. Dietary Influences on Brain Neuro-transmitter Synthesis and Brain Methylation Reactions
• Chapter 7. Changes in Rat Brain Noradrenaline and Serotonin Metabolism after Administration of S-Adenosylmethionine
• Chapter 8. Cerebral Utilization of Adenosylmethionine and Adenosylhomocysteine: Effects of Methionine Sulfoximine
• Chapter 9. Studies on Indoleamine N-Methyl-transferase, an Enzyme Possibly Involved in Psychotic Disorders
• Chapter 10. Action of S-Adenosylmethionine on the Hypothalamic-Hypophyseal-Prolactin Axis
• Chapter 11. Methylation in Schizophrenia: An Old Hypothesis Revisited
• Chapter 12. Antidepressant Effects of Adenosyl-methionine: Clinical and Methodological Issues Emerging from Preliminary Trials
• Chapter 13. Adenosylmethionine and Chronic Ammonia Intoxication
• Subject Index
• Author Index