Publications
APS Bulletin • Volume 6, Number 4, July/August 1996
Resource Reviews
John D. Loeser, MD, Department Editor
Peripheral Neurons in Nociception
Reviewed by John D. Loeser, MD
J.M. Besson, G. Guilbaud, & H. Ollat (Eds.). John Libby Eurotext, Paris, 1994, $42.91, 271 pages, ISBN 2-7420-0081-X
This multiauthored, softcover volume consists of 18 chapters devoted to the peripheral nerve processes of nociception. The chapters are written by recognized experts who have each published extensively in the subject matter of their chapters. This is, then, a review of the information available at the time the manuscripts were submitted. The most current references cited are dated 1993. I do not believe that there is any original information in this book. It is, however, a superb compendium of what was known on this important component of the physiology and pharmacology of pain perception. There is no index; each chapter has its own references. Illustrations are frequent and well executed.
This is a useful reference volume for those who want to review the physiology and pharmacology of nociception and pain states induced by peripheral nerve lesions. Some of the concepts (e.g., reflex sympathetic dystrophy, as discussed in Janig's chapter) have evolved rapidly in the 3 years since their writing and make the volume seem dated. On the other hand, the writings are succinct, comprehensive, and authoritative. This is a good book for clinicians as well as basic scientists who want to build a library of secondary source materials.
John Loeser is professor of neurological surgery and anesthesiology and director of the Multidisciplinary Pain Center at the University of Washington, Seattle.