Development of the Central Nervous System in Vertebrates, 1992 NATO Science Series A: Series, Vol. 234

~he major theme of this book is the development of the vertebrate central nervous system. ~is volume contains summaries of most of the invited participants at the NA~ advanced study institute entitled "Development of central nervous system in vertebrates" held in Maratea, Italy, from June 23-July 5, 1991. In order to address this topic, we have drawn upon a selection of current studies dealing with molecular, cellular and system analysis which specifically pertain to the general principles of the development. ~he major aim of this institute was to bring together a select group of investigators who would present their views on the current issues in their respective fields and to foster extensive discussions amongst participants in smaller groups. Such interactions brought together the exchanges of ideas amongst participants and helped clarify the intricate details and formulate new vistas and collaborations. Since the study of nervous system development has focused mostly on the origin of neuron and glia cells, the area of current research was represented by talks on early cellular events including effects of growth factors, BOX and other gene expressions and cell lineage of specific cell type(s). Formation of specific cell types and the specific neuronal connections have been a major theme in the study of the nervous system development. Recent technical advances has resulted in new information at both cellular and molecular levels which have provided new details. Current research was represented by "selective" topics discussed at the meeting.

Regulation of the Early Development of the Nervous System by Growth Factors.- Polysialic Acid as a Regulator of Cell-Cell Interactions during Muscle Innervation.- The 0-2A Cell Lineage: Cellular Interactions Influencing the Choice of the Differentiation Route of Biopotential Glial Progenitors.- Cell Fate in the Cerebral Cortex.- Hox Genes and the Development of the Branchial Region.- Distribution of the Homeobox Engrailed Gene Expression during the Embryonic Development of the Trout CNS.- A General Model of Cortical Histogenesis: Studies in the Developing Cerebral Wall of the Mouse.- The Use of Experimental Genetics to Study Pattern Formation in the Mammalian CNS.- Development and Fate of Cajal-Retzius Cells In Vivo and In Vitro.- Comparative and Cellular Aspects of Development of Connections in Cerebral Cortex.- The Developing Mouse Whiskerpad: Pattern Formation at the Periphery of a Highly Organized Somatosensory Pathway.- Two Phases of Pattern Formation in the Developing Rodent Trigeminal System.- Mechanisms to Establish Specific Thalamocortical Connections in the Developing Brain.- The Reeler Gene, Formation of Nerve Cell Patterns, and Brain Evolution.- Androgen-Dependent Plasticity of a Neuromuscular System.- Development of Longitudinal Patterns in the Cerebellar Cortex.- New Concepts on the Development of the Dentate Gyrus.- Transplant-Mediated Recovery of Innervation and Function: the Habenulo-Interpeduncular System of the Rat.- Development of Descending Projection Neurons to the Spinal Cord of the Goldfish, Carassius auratus.