Psychoneuropharmacological research has received special attention during the last four decades particularly after the discovery of Psychotropic drugs, chlorpromazine and reserpine. These drugs have not only helped in alleviating many mental disorders but also have helped neuroscientists to look deeply into the neurotransmitter based pathophysiology of the mental diseases. Of the many neurotransmitters which are involved in the behavioral effects of drugs, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and dopamine have received a great attention. Gamma amino butyric acid, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter ubiquitously distributed in the central nervous system modulates many neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy, memory deficits, stress and anxiety. The book is based on the research work conducted by the author in these areas, interestingly all these research papers emanating from the work that have been published in one single journal namely, IJEB. The author has written about the current developments in GABA receptor pharmacology and behavioral disorders and these articles are supported by selected publications from IJEB which are put in the form of book format for easy reference. Another hot area in psychopharmacology is the study of pain and pain related disorders. Again the book carries selected articles on pain and inflammation published by the author in IJEB. The book is unique in its format as it carries four important conceptual articles supported by as many as 28 of his own research articles from IJEB which makes the reader not only easy to follow but actually helps him/her in knowing the details of the experimental protocols as the research papers are also incorporated. The book is a valuable addition for postgraduate and doctoral researchers in Psychobiology, Physiology, Pharmacology and related basic medical sciences.
Dr. S.K. Kulkarni, M. Pharm., Ph.D, FAMS, FNASc, FPAS, FIPA, Professor of Pharmacology and Coordinator, UGC Centre for Potential in Biomedical Sciences of Panjab University has more than three decades of teaching and research experience. A recipient of several national recognitions for his contributions to pharmacology research and pharmaceutical sciences, he has deep insight into Experimental Pharmacology and innovations in developing simple animal models and procedures for testing of drugs in experimental animals. The book on “Developments in Psychopharmacology” is a testimony of his contributions to experimental biomedical sciences. Dr. Kulkarni is a Fellow of National Academy of Medical Sciences, National Academy of Sciences and Indian Pharmaceutical Association. He was the General President of the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association. He serves on many committees of the National Statutory bodies such as UGC, AICTE and CSIR systems. He was earlier Dean and Chairman of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Director (Hon.), Centre for Industry Institute Partnership Programme of the Panjab University and also Advisor, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Centre at Baroda.
