This book describes some of the many different disciplines that are involved in investigations of neuroendocrine control mechanisms. It is intended for students, pre- and post-doctoral fellows, medical residents and others who are interested in neuroendocrine research.

Neuroendocrine Peptide Methodology

Neuroendocrinology underpins fundamental physiological, molecular, biological, and genetic principles such as the regulation of gene transcription and translation. This handbook highlights the experimental and technical foundations of each area's major concepts and principles.

This book is designed as an introductory text in neuroendocrinology; the study of the interaction between the brain and endocrine system and the influence of this on behaviour. The endocrine glands, pituitary gland and hypothalamus and their interactions and hormones are discussed. The action of steroid and thyroid hormone receptors and the regulation of target cell response to hormones is examined. The function of neuropeptides is discussed with respect to the neuroendocrine system and behaviour. The neuroimmune system and lymphokines are described and the interaction between the neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems discussed. Finally, methods for studying hormonal influences on behaviour are outlined. Each chapter has review and essay questions designed for advanced students and honours or graduate students with a background in neuroscience, respectively.

The term ‘carcinoid’ entered medical literature over 100 years ago to describe a peculiar intestinal epithelial neoplasm. Since then, a large body of literature has expanded the concept of carcinoid, later replaced by the term ‘NeuroEndocrine Tumor’ (NET), defining a wide spectrum of peculiar tumors, potentially affecting all organs and tissues, originating from neuroendocrine cells, sharing, but, at the same time, keeping, pathognomonic pathological, radiological and clinical features. This book provides an authoritative overview of the epidemiological, clinical, genetic, molecular and pathological characteristics of NETs and highlights the most relevant controversial issues in the classification, diagnosis and therapy. Furthermore the new frontiers in the field of medical therapies are presented, through a multidisciplinary and translational approach. Considering the fact that NETs have been recently demonstrated less rare as considered so far, 'Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Multidisciplinary Approach' is a must read for endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, endocrine surgeons, as well as pathologists, nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists focused on NET.

This book describes the crucial scientific interface between central neurotransmitter regulation and interacting hormonal pathways. It provides a review of the previously published literature on neuroendocrine mechanisms and brings the reader up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. Chapters cover the following areas: -- cellular interactions of neurotransmitters to induce specific release of a peptide hormone -- the role of opioids in the regulation of reproductive hormones and the possible implication of endorphins and enkephalins in developmental endocrinology -- immunohistochemical localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide as a tool to distinguish the possible role of the peripheral nervous system from that of central nervous control in stress and pathological situations -- developmental endocrinology and neurohormonal control of the ovarian cycle.

Neuroendocrinology is a discipline which originated about 50 years ago as a branch of Endocrinology and that is now strictly linked to neuroscience. Volumes 181 and 182 of Progress in Brain Research provide a rapid view of the major points presently discussed at biological and clinical levels. The chapters have been written by top scientists who are directly involved in basic or clinical research and who use the most sophisticated biotechnological techniques. The volumes cover of the role of genetics in many endocrine-related events, like neuroendocrinological diseases and endocrine depenedent cancers (prostate, breast, etc,). Interesting information is also provided on possibile treatments of neurodegenerative brain diseases (e.g., Alzheimer and similar syndromes). • The best researchers in the field provide their conclusions in the context of the latest experimental results • Chapters are extensively referenced to provide readers with a comprehensive list of resources on the topics covered • Of great value for researchers and experts, but also for students as a background reference

This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. In recent years there has been increasing interest and, subsequently, active research in neuropeptides. These neuroactive molecules coordinate, integrate, and regulate physiological processes in all organisms, throughout all phases of development. Acting as neurohormones, neurotransmitters, and/or neuromodulators, they maintain physiological homeostasis and influence important behavioral patterns. This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. The book is divided into two parts. In Part I the author defines the basic principles of neuropeptide action, including their biosynthesis, processing, transport, distribution, and interactions with receptors and second messenger systems. Strand also discusses the intimate interaction between the neuropeptides, stress, and the immune system. In Part II she discusses the regulatory functions of the families of neuropeptide in sufficient detail to provide both the advanced student and senior investigator with a thorough understanding of the most important neuropeptides. The text also contains a complete and up-to-date reference/reading list.

The aim of the present volume was to give an overview over different available methodological approaches. The specialists may, perhaps, object that in their particular field the level of information is superficial. However, let them look at other chapters in which different approaches are discussed and which, surely, will appear less superficial from the more general point of view. We hope, at least, that crucial references can be traced throughout the book that would enable the readers to go in more detail when desired. It can be traced throughout the book that would enable the readers to go in more detail when desired. It was really one of our ideas to draw the survey of possibilities available. If this can stimulate the readers to use ideas to draw the survey of possibilities available. If this can stimulate the readers to use other methods that those they are routinely using the goals will be met.