This book contains papers which discuss many different stimulus--response systems ranging from those in bacteria and paramecia to those in insects and mammals. Emphasis is placed on the identification and characterization of receptor molecules, physical properties of channel molecules, physical and chemical changes in receptors, channels and other structures after stimuli, and the molecular events in the sequential response, excitation, adaptation and learning phases. Use is made throughout of both traditional and new techniques in electrophysiology, biochemistry, genetics and ultrastructural...

This volume provides the first major overview, by eminent authorities on the subject, of recent developments in the field of endogenous substances and their regulation of sleep processes. The first two sections discuss general aspects of sleep regulation; including an historical overview, the restorative and adaptive functions of sleep, and evolutionary features. The third section contains contributions focussing on circadian rhythms in relation to humoral factors, hormones, neurotransmitters and metabolism. The sleep substances currently receiving most attention ---...