Research Methods in Neurochemistry Volume 4

The fourth volume of Research Methods in Neurochemistry includes chapters on different aspects of topics touched on in previous volumes and develops a number of new themes as well. The bias, though not entirely intended, is directed toward studies of macromolecules, both at the meta- bolic level in relation to protein synthesis and at the structural level in rela- tion to specific proteins and lipids. The new departures concern subjects in Section I with marked applied bias: biochemical studies of nervous system tumors and of the cerebrospinal fluid, both of which we hope will be of value to clinical as well as basic scientists. Biogenic amines and the enzymes involved in their metabolism figure again in Section II, where the powerful tool of mass spectrometry receives further treatment in relation to the analysis of dansyl derivatives of trace amines in the brain. Once again we remain grateful to the individual authors, both for their contributions and patience, and to Plenum Press for their continued interest and cooperation. Thanks are also due to colleagues and friends for their comments and criticisms on the series as a whole; suggestions for future volumes will always be welcome and should be sent to one of the editors. Richard Rodnight, London Neville Marks, New York March 1978 ix Contents Section I PROPERTIES OF INTACT NEURAL TISSUES Chapter 1 Biochemical Study of Tumors of the Nervous System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Norman Allen I. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 II. Human Brain Tumors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 A. Autopsy Specimens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .