Protocols in behavioral psychopharmacology: a guide for research on drugs affecting the Central Nervous System, with emphasis on medicinal plants

• Grant number: 11/10727-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Books published in Brazil
• Start date: September 01, 2011
• End date: August 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Elisaldo Luiz de Araujo Carlini
• Grantee: Elisaldo Luiz de Araujo Carlini
• Host Institution: Fundação de Apoio à Universidade Federal de São Paulo (FAP-UNIFESP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This book aims to serve as practical material for planning and execution of a study in psychopharmacology. The experimental models selected and discussed by the authors include classical methods and modern models in psychopharmacology. A special focus is given on the research of natural products, including some specific chapters on these subject. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 has an opening chapter that provides some basic laboratory advices, while other chapters address possible strategies for obtaining natural products, its phytochemical analysis, and consideration of medicinal chemistry and drug development. Part 2 refers to the psychopharmacological studies themselves, with emphasis on behavioral tests (animal models) for the study of CNS diseases. Throughout the chapters the reader will find after a brief introduction to each topic, discussions on various experimental models, suggested protocols and summary tables. At the end of each chapter, a comparative framework helps to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each model. The bibliography provides a selection of studies reviewed and recommended by the authors, where the reader can get more information on the issues. (AU)