Protein Metabolism of the Nervous System

Few can deny the paramount importance of the neurosciences, undoubtedly one of the most challenging fields in contemporary science. Recent years have witnessed the awakening of interest in brain research by many dis- tinguished investigators from other branches of science, which has made possible the multidisciplinary approach needed for the complex problems of this field. The present book, which deals with one aspect of this research, is the result of the symposium held under the auspices of the New York State Research Institute for Neurochemistry and Drug Addiction in April 1968. It has become clear that brain proteins are involved in all aspects of mental function and dysfunction, and the present volume documents the latest advances in our knowledge (advances made to a large extent by con- tributors to this volume). The chapters not only convey some of the enthu- siasm and wonderful, cooperative spirit of the many excellent scientists ex- ploring the brain, and their wealth of ideas; they also illustrate the many approaches from which cerebral proteins can be studied in a meaningful manner. In some areas even preliminary evidence is worth discussing: e.g., it is an exciting achievement that we can begin to apply the disciplines of bio- chemistry to phenomena of learned behavior and information handling.