Thomas Heinbockel

Howard University

Thomas Heinbockel, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA. He holds an adjunct faculty position in both the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology and the Department of Physiology at University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Heinbockel studied biology at Philipps University, Germany. His studies of the brain began during his MS thesis work at the Max-Planck-Institute for Behavioral Physiology, Germany. Dr. Heinbockel earned a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona, USA. After graduating, he worked as a research associate at the Institute of Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Germany. Dr. Heinbockel\'s research is focused on understanding how the brain processes information as it relates to neurological and psychiatric disorders. His laboratory at Howard University concentrates on foundational and translational topics such as drug development, organization of the olfactory and limbic systems, neural signaling, and synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.

11books edited

15chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Thomas Heinbockel

Acetylcholine - Recent Advances and New Perspectives describes research related to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine was discovered as a neurotransmitter about 100 years ago. Still, researchers around the world study this important signaling molecule in terms of its chemistry, biochemistry, function in the central and peripheral nervous system, and relevance for neurological disorders and diseases. This book focuses on the role of acetylcholine in individual nerve cells, neural circuits, and specific brain regions. In addition, the book illustrates acetylcholine from historical perspectives to technological advances, as well as the use of novel tools in health and disease, in various animal models and organisms. As an added benefit, chapters in the book describe acetylcholine in its relation to paraoxonase enzymes, acetylcholine esterase, neurotoxins, and organophosphorus compounds. Furthermore, this book provides an overview of the work that is being done on acetylcholine and highlights any gaps and areas that would benefit from further exploration. It is a useful resource for students and researchers in biological, chemical, medical, and history disciplines.

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