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This publication describes in detail some animal models of outstanding importance for the study of human neurological diseases. An introductory article provides a definition of animal models, looks at the history and ethics of their use, and highlights the reasons why animal models are so useful in scientific research. The following chapters present some of the newer models which play a key role in the study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, stroke and peripheral neuropathy. Their specific features are detailed in the method section of each paper, and their application to the study of human neurological diseases is discussed in a comprehensive manner, i. e. limits and challenges posed by these models are evaluated and potential improvements suggested. A valuable single source of information, this book is recommended reading for neuroscientists as well as for neurologists and neurosurgeons interested in preclinical research on human neurological diseases.

The last decades have seen the rise of neuroscience to one of the most dynamic biomedical disciplines. With the development of powerful new techniques it has been possible to investigate specific physiological and pathological neural mechanisms and thus to elucidate the etiology of many neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases. This first volume of the new book series ‘BioValley Monographs’ presents a whole range of methods developed to grow different kinds of neurons and glial cells in vitro. It is the result of a trinational cooperation between scientists of Neurex, the neuroscience network of the Upper Rhine valley. The articles are not just simple descriptions of bench techniques but discuss the unique features of each method, its difficulties, and tricks to avoid these pitfalls. The book covers cells growing in a dissociated state, organotypic slices which retain the architecture of neuronal networks in vivo, as well as cultures on architectured substrates allowing researchers to apply geometrical constraints in order to study the role and importance of synaptic connections more efficiently. Presenting expert guidelines to prepare, establish and maintain neural cell and tissue cultures, this book will be a valuable tool for all scientists and technicians interested in basic and applied research in neurobiology, neurology and neuropharmacology. No scientific library should be without it!