The dramatic advances in molecular genetics are becoming incorporated into neurobiologic studies at an ever increasing rate. In developmental neurobiology, the importance of cell cell interactions for neurogenesis and gene expression is be ginning to be understood in terms of the molecular bases for these interactions. This book seeks to emphasize the importance of molecular technology in the study of neurogenetic mechanisms and to explore the possible relationships between specific cell cell interactions and regulated gene expression in the develop ing nervous ~stem. This volume consists of nineteen chapters which address ques tions of gene expression and the importance of cell-cell interac tions as key factors in the developing nervous ~stem. Rather than viewing these two processes as separate mechanisms, as the organi zation of these chapters might suggest, we would like to emphasize the interplay of these genetic and epigenetic influences in all phases of neural ontogeny, a concept which is made clear by the subject matter of the contributions themselves. The authors of these chapters were participants in selected ~mposia from the Fourth Congress of the International Society of Developmental Neuroscience held in Salt Lake City, Utah, July 3-7, 1983.

One of the most impressive advances in the field of neuroscience over the last decade has been the accumulation of data on plasticity and regeneration in the nervous system of mammals. The book represents the contribution of a qroup of neuroscientists to this rapidly expanding field, through a Conference organized by the Institute of Developmental Neuroscience and Aging (IDNA). The meeting was held in Torino, Italy during April 1990 in honor of a great pioneer in the field of Neuroembryology, Professor Guido Filogamo. His introduction of the concept of neuroplasticity has had a significant impact on the study of neurobiology. This volume is divided into six sections, each focusing on one of the subject areas covered during the meeting Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Development; Hormones,* Growth Factors, Heurotransmi tters, Xenobiotics and Development; In Vivo and in Vitro models of Development; Development and Regulation of Glia; Regeneration; and Aging.

The last decade has generated a multitude of studies using in vitro model systems to explore growth and differentiation of the nervous system. Although the findings have been exciting and have revealed unique properties of neural cells, considerable concern continues to be expressed regarding the significance of in vitro findings in terms of their applicability to in vivo biological events. To examine this issue further, a group of scientists pre sented and discussed their findings at a conference sponsored by the Institute of Developmental Neuroscience and Aging held in Crete, Greece, 26-29 May 1985. The conference was cosponsored by the University of Crete and was generously supported by the Ministry of Research and Technology of Greece, Tourism Organization of Greece, and also Sandoz and FIDIA. The Directors of the Institute of Developmental Neuroscience and Aging are indebted to these Institutions for their support. For the success of this conference, the Directors owe much to Drs. Eleni Fleischer-Lambropoulos and Yiannis Tsouderos, who spent countless hours in making arrangements so that the participants would have not only a scientific, but also a unique cultural, experience. Several chapters of this book focus on the complex phenomena of neurogenesis and gliogenesis, and the modulation of neuronal differentiation. The concept that neuronal differentiation has both genetic and epigenetic components is documented by elegant studies using both in vitro cultured cells and neurons transplanted in vivo."

The last decade has generated a multitude of studies using in vitro model systems to explore growth and differentiation of the nervous system. Although the findings have been exciting and have revealed unique properties of neural cells, considerable concern continues to be expressed regarding the significance of in vitro findings in terms of their applicability to in vivo biological events. To examine this issue further, a group of scientists pre sented and discussed their findings at a conference sponsored by the Institute of Developmental Neuroscience and Aging held in Crete, Greece, 26-29 May 1985. The conference was cosponsored by the University of Crete and was generously supported by the Ministry of Research and Technology of Greece, Tourism Organization of Greece, and also Sandoz and FIDIA. The Directors of the Institute of Developmental Neuroscience and Aging are indebted to these Institutions for their support. For the success of this conference, the Directors owe much to Drs. Eleni Fleischer-Lambropoulos and Yiannis Tsouderos, who spent countless hours in making arrangements so that the participants would have not only a scientific, but also a unique cultural, experience. Several chapters of this book focus on the complex phenomena of neurogenesis and gliogenesis, and the modulation of neuronal differentiation. The concept that neuronal differentiation has both genetic and epigenetic components is documented by elegant studies using both in vitro cultured cells and neurons transplanted in vivo."