Brain Endocrinology (Comprehensive Endocrinology, Revised Series)

The revised new edition of this work synthesizes the past decade's discoveries in basic and clinical neuroendocrinology. Leading investigators examine current concepts on corticosteroid and peptide hormone receptors in the brain, hypophysiotropic regulatory peptides, biosynthesis and functions of sterids in the brain, steroidal regulation of peptidergic neurons, and gonadal steroid actions on hypothamlmic neurons. In-depth reviews discuss the basic and clinical aspects of growth hormone-releasing hormone, growth hormone release-inhibiting hormone, hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, opioid peptides and pituitary function, and neurohypophysial hormones. The role of the endocrine brain in blood pressure control is analyzed, with special attention to angiotensin II and atrial natriuretic peptide. Other topics covered include sexual differentiation and ageing of the endocrine brain and the role of the endocrine brain in the control of eating and drinking.