This special volume provides twelve contributions that discuss different aspects of social and endocrine behaviors with an emphasis on the neural regulation of these behaviors. In addition, several review chapters address the neural plasticity that results from exposure to hormones or the experiences with the behavior. Finally, each of the contributions emphasizes future directions and incorporation of newly developed neuroscience techniques and approaches.

ill recent years, it has become clearly recognized that many behavioural disturb ances and psychiatric illnesses are intimately associated with alterations in neuroendocrine function. This volume is designed to provide a thorough, up-to date review of our current knowledge of the neuroendocrine correlates of altered behaviour in man and experimental animals. Particular emphasis has been focused on the mechanisms which may underlie the coupling of mental functions with endocrine changes and the possible common links in the central regulation of both endocrine and psychic activities. One of the main objectives of this book is to consider both the experimental and clinical approaches in studying the interrelationship between neuroendocrine regulation and altered behaviour, and to assess its importance in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. The book has been organized into four major sections which focus on: (i) the role of pituitary hormones in the regulation of CNS function; (ii) the relationship between brain endorphin systems, psychotropic drugs and neuroendocrine regulation; (iii) the importance of neuroendocrine regulation in the pathogenesis of mental disorders; and (iv) biological markers of altered mental function. Each chapter is organized for ease of comprehension as well as for rapid retrieval of progress and essential information concerning the neuroendocrine basis of altered behaviour and psychiatric illnesses. The contributing authors were selected because of their widely recognized expertise in the field.

The first 1,000 days, from conception to two years of age, is a critical period of growth and development. Exposures to dietary, environmental, hormonal, and other stressors during this window have been associated with an increased risk of poor health outcomes, some of which are irreversible. The book addresses this crucial interval of early life across biological disciplines, linking concepts related to all biological fields to outcomes during the first 1,000 days (e.g. fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes) and beyond (e.g. gut microbiome and cardiovascular disease later in life). The strength of this book lies in its cross-disciplinary nature.

Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 5: Mammals is the fifth of five second-edition volumes representing a comprehensive and integrated overview of hormones and reproduction in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The book includes coverage of endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of reptilian reproduction. It provides a broad treatment of the roles of pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones in all aspects of reproduction, as well as descriptions of major life history events. New to this edition is a concluding assessment of the effect of environmental influences on mammals. Initial chapters in this book broadly examine sex determination, reproductive neuroendocrinology, stress, and hormonal regulation as it relates to male and female reproductive structure and function. Subsequent chapters introduce the evolution of viviparity and examine pregnancy in eutherian mammals, parturition, pheromones, and behavioral neuroendocrinology. Covered taxa include rodents, bats, and primates. The book concludes with an examination of the environmental influences on hormones and reproduction of mammals, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals and climate change. Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates, Volume 5: Mammals is designed to provide a readable, coordinated description of reproductive basics in mammals, as well as an introduction to the latest trends in reproductive research and a presentation of our understanding of reproductive events gained over the past decade. It may serve as a stand-alone reference for researchers and practitioners in the field of mammology or as one of five coordinated references aligned to provide topical treatment across vertebrate taxa for researchers, practitioners, and students focused on vertebrate endocrinology. - Covers endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, physiology, behavior, and anatomy of mammalian reproduction - Includes pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones - Focuses on rodents, bats, primates, ungulates, carnivores, and marine mammals - Provides new coverage on endocrine-disrupting chemicals and climate change