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.

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.

With contributions by international experts in academia, chemical manufacturing, government research laboratories, regulatory agencies, and private consulting, this guide explores the potentially damaging influence of environmental agents on the endocrine system. It examines endocrine toxicology's increased importance in environmental safety issues

Drug abuse, environmental pollution, induced health risks and the increase of the proportion of aged people are three grave problems of medicine and of the society all over the world in our epoch. The neuroendocrine system, with special emphasis to the pineal gland, plays an integrative role in the development and disintegration of the physical and mental changes which occur towards the two end-points of life, at the beginning and termination of the life cycle. This volume, documented by 17 tables, 23 line and column diagrams, and two tables of microphotographs, closes with a detailed bibliography, containing about 200 data of the literature.

With contributions by numerous experts

Astrocytes: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pharmacology of Astrocytes, Volume 2 focuses on the physiological and pharmacological aspects of astrocytes. This volume gives specific attention to intracellular metabolic activity; membrane components and functions; responses to neurotransmitters and other intrinsic factors; and neuronal-glial interactions. Studies in this text establishe the astrocyte as an essential neuronal partner in the neuronal-glial interrelationship throughout the life-span of the neuron and also further explain the potential roles of astrocytes in brain function. Cell physiologists, neurophysiologists, neuropharmacologists, pediatric neurologists, and gerontologists will find the book interesting.