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.

As a volume in the series CNS Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators, this text is destined to become a definitive reference. Well-known international authors have contributed up-to-date reviews covering a wide-range of interdisciplinary aspects of neuroactive steroid function. Specifically, this volume includes chapters dealing with the expression and properties of steroid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS); steroid interactions with amino acids, amines, and growth factors; electrophysiology; hypothalamic and feeding control; and the extremely topical issue of steroid influences on sexual differentiation of the brain. Neuroactive Steroids is an indispensable reference work for any researcher involved with steroids in the CNS, particularly in the areas of physiology, anatomy, neuropharmacology, neurochemistry, psychiatry, and molecular biology. In addition, it provides the perfect one-stop introduction for students.

Originating from a symposium sponsored by the USSR Academy of Sciences, the contents of this volume address the roles of signal molecules in animal behaviour. The work is divided into three sections covering cellular and invertebrate models, vertebrate models and methodology.

Early-onset and enduring developmental deficits in attention, especially if combined with increased hyperactivity, and impulsivity, may result in constant impairments in multiple domains of personal life. The full spectrum of symptoms is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, which is maladaptive and inconsistent with a comparable level of developmental age known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is considered one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders and of childhood, and among the most prevalent chronic health conditions. Given the wide heterogeneity and complex manifestations of the disorder, there is an importance in a developmental perspective that views ADHD as a multi-factorial disorder with multiple, causal processes, and pathways. The symptoms of ADHD should be cast, not as static or fixed neurobehavioral deficits, but rather in terms of underlying developmental processes. Even experienced professional might minimize the prevalence of a disorder among certain groups of patients. Therefore, the existence of attention disorders might become "transparent" for both the patient and the professional. This might lead to a non-accurate diagnosis, harm the treatment aspects and has potential non beneficial prognostic aspects. The developmental approach can provide predictions as to how characteristics associated with attention develop over time and how multiple risk and protective factors transact to impact it's development, as well as the development of a broad range of associated co-morbid features. Among children with mental retardation, autistic spectrum disorders, children who were born premature, born with low birth weight, as well as among those who suffer from chronic disorders (such as epilepsy, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or asthma), as well as among otherwise healthy preschoolers – the assessment of attention performance might be very challenging. In this research topic, we explore the latest cutting edge research on the biological and neural pathways as well as on psychosocial and behavioral correlates of brain development and attention spectrum. In doing so we aim to highlight: what is currently known regarding this new conceptualization of attention as a spectrum; the mechanisms underlying this spectrum; and where this field is headed in terms of developing our understanding of the link between brain development and attention performance.

Fourth Conference of the European Society for Comparative Psychology and Biochemistry, Bielefeld, September 8-11, 1982

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

A thorough analysis of catecholamine systems in a wide range of vertebrates by experts. The book will be of interest to researchers and postgraduates of neuroscience, neurobiology, zoology, medicine and physiology.