This book incorporates the proceedings of the Fifth International Cholinergic Conference, which took place in Oglebay Park, West Vir­ ginia, USA, on October 30th to November 4th, 1983. A scenic forty­ five minute ride from the City of Pittsburgh, surrounded by champion­ ship golf courses, luxurious woods and a picturesque lake, Oglebay provided relaxed and beautiful surroundings, conducive to contem­ plation, stimulating discussions and, thought-provoking scientific sessions. Over 160 individuals from allover the world participated in the sessions. The meeting was sub-divided into oral presentations, round table discussions and poster sessions, and centered upon ten key topics of cholinergic relevance (see Table of Contents). Following in the tradition of the four International Conferences which had preceded this one, the Conference featured the most up­ to-date developments in the area of cholinergic mechanisms, and provided for ample and productive discussion of new fields and di­ rections in this area. Moreover, both senior investigators in the field as well as recent newcomers to this sphere of investigation participated in the proceedings. This book, touches on a wide array of mechanisms and applications - from the preclinical to the clinical level. It should thus be useful as a comprehensive resource, with the cholinergic system as a focal hub. The Conference could not have been as successful as it turned out to be, without the support of a number of important contributors.

I. Cholinergic Pathways: Anatomy of the Central Nervous System.- II. Aging, Sdat and Other Clinical Conditions.- III. Cholinergic PRE- and Post-Synaptic Receptors.- IV. Acetylcholine Release.- V. Cholinesterases, Anticholinesterases and Reactivators.- VI. Acetylcholine Synthesis. Metabolism and Precursors.- VII. Second Messenger Mechanisms.- VIII. Interaction of Acetylcholine with Other Neurotransmitter Systems.- IX. Cholinergic Mechanisms in Physiological Function, Including Cardiovascular Events.- X. Neurotoxic Agents and False Transmitters.