Full Issue

Abstract

The combined issue (Numbers 1–2–3–4) of Volume 13 of the International Journal of Neurology (1979) was dedicated to “Homage to The Netherlands”, celebrating the country’s outstanding contributions to neuroscience and clinical neurology. It assembled a wide-ranging selection of experimental, biochemical, and clinical studies centered on neurotransmission, neuromodulation, and neurochemical regulation in health and disease.

The issue opened with research on cyclic nucleotides in cerebrospinal fluid (Cramer et al.) and the adrenergic and serotonergic modulation of growth hormone and prolactin secretion in humans (Lancranjan et al.). W. Haefely explored the role of GABA in the action of neuropsychotropic drugs, while L. and Elisabeth Hosli discussed nervous tissue culture as a model for studying neurotransmitter uptake and action.

Neurophysiological studies focused on inhibitory mechanisms in the substantia nigra and the dopamine pathway (Straughan and James), the functional organization of the striatum through multiple transmitter systems (Hassler), and afferent connections of the rat caudate nucleus traced with labeled wheat germ agglutinin and tetanus toxin (Schwab and Agid). Related biochemical analyses examined dopamine release regulation within the striatum (Giorguieff et al.) and cerebellar control of catecholaminergic activity, with implications for drug therapy in movement disorders (Tellerman et al.).

Further contributions investigated peptide–neurotransmitter interactions (Barbeau et al.) and the roles of substance P, bradykinin, and β-endorphin in central transmission (Henry). Clinical and neurochemical perspectives included studies on L-DOPA-induced dopaminergic hypersensitivity (Klawans et al.), bismuth encephalopathy and monoaminergic changes (Passouant et al.), catecholamine dysregulation in psychosis (Van Praag), and neurotransmitter disturbances in post-concussional syndromes (Barón et al.). Bonduelle and Degos explored the therapeutic use of 5-HTP in essential tremor, while Boshes et al. analyzed the relationship between intellectual endowment and long-term L-DOPA response in Parkinson’s patients.

The issue concluded with “A Short History of Neurology in the Netherlands” (Schulte and Endtz), a reflective piece “On Vacation” by Víctor Soriano, and sections for news and book reviews.

This commemorative volume stood as both a scientific and historical tribute, highlighting the Netherlands’ leadership in neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, and clinical neurology, and reflecting the journal’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration in neurological science.