Biochemical and Pharmacological Roles of Adenosylmethionine and the Central Nervous System contains the proceedings of an International Round Table on Adenosylmethionine and the Central Nervous System held in Naples, Italy, on May 2, 1978. The papers explore the biochemical and pharmacological roles of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), with particular emphasis on its functions in the central nervous system (CNS).
This book consists of 13 chapters and opens with an introduction to some novel biochemical aspects of SAM and related sulfur compounds, paying particular attention to transmethylation reactions; polyamine biosynthesis and unusual biological roles of adenosylmethionine; metabolic pathways related to adenosine-sulfur compounds; and transport of adenosylmethionine. The following chapters discuss a number of chemical and biochemical properties of SAM as well as its pharmacological aspects within the CNS. The relation between folate and adenosylmethionine metabolism in the brain is examined, along with the effect of SAM administration on noradrenaline and serotonin metabolism in rat brain; cerebral utilization of adenosylmethionine and adenosylhomocysteine; and antidepressant effects of adenosylmethionine. Methylation in schizophrenia is also considered.
This monograph will be a valuable source of information for biochemists and pharmacologists.

PrefaceAbbreviationsContributorsNovel Aspects in the Biochemistry of Adenosylmethionine and Related Sulfur CompoundsThe Chemical Properties of Sulfonium CompoundsAnalysis and Distribution of Adenosylmethionine and Adenosylhomocysteine in Mammalian TissuesProtein Methylation: Perspectives in Central Nervous SystemThe Relation between Folate and Adenosylmethionine Metabolism in BrainDietary Influences on Brain Neurotransmitter Synthesis and Brain Methylation ReactionsChanges in Rat Brain Noradrenaline and Serotonin Metabolism after Administration of S-AdenosylmethionineCerebral Utilization of Adenosylmethionine and Adenosylhomocysteine: Effects of Methionine SulfoximineStudies on Indoleamine N-Methyltransferase, an Enzyme Possibly Involved in Psychotic DisordersAction of S-Adenosylmethionine on the Hypothalamic - Hypophyseal - Prolactin AxisMethylation in Schizophrenia: An Old Hypothesis RevisitedAntidepressant Effects of Adenosylmethionine: Clinical and Methodological Issues Emerging from Preliminary TrialsAdenosylmethionine and Chronic Ammonia IntoxicationSubject IndexAuthor Index