Recent experimental and clinical research performed by outstanding authorities has enabled us to characterize fundamental processes that govern the regulation of salt and water content of the body. Their results have provided not only an important gain of insight into mechanisms at the cellular level but also the possibility to integrate single cell activities into a complex organ function. Moreover, this knowledge enables scientists to develop broader concepts concerning the regulation of organ function and thus contributes to a better understanding of the overall status in health and disease. In the present volume some of these physiologists and clinicians discuss principal questions of humoral and non-humoral influences involved in the control of electro lyte and fluid content of the organism. It contains three essential topics: Data concerning basic principles of cell behaviour and transport processes are followed by the description of natriuretic substances and their influence on volume regulation. Finally, attempts are undertaken to elucidate the meaning of these basic principles for the explanation of the development of patholocigal states. This symposion was held in honor to Professor H. P. Wolff, one of the internatio nally wellknown pioneers in this field of clinical research. The editors· wish to express their graditude to the Melusin-Schwarz-Monheim GmbH for the generous support of the symposion.

The concept of this book has developed over the past fi fteen years as interest in the water and electrolyte disturbances associated with most environmental settings moved from a research area of descriptive discovery to one dealing with the mechanisms responsible for the previously observed disturbances. Most of the contributing authors have been involved in both aspects of this evolution of research, focusing on those problems associated with body fluid and electrolyte balance and searching for hormonal explanations. What did not accompany this transition, however, was a source of information encompassing the area of interest. Instead, the previous format of environmentally focused symposia, reviews, and books continued to be the only sources available. For instance, various books deal with the physiology of high altitude, space, or exercise but do not necessarily provide adequate coverage of water and electrolyte disturbances. To our knowledge, the format of this book is unique. We have made the central focus water and electrolyte physiology with an emphasis on endocrinology and tried to comprehensively cover this area of physiology in some of the more heavily studied environments. This book too, then, will have its limitations in coverage. For instance, in-depth coverage of the respiratory and cardiovascular responses to the high altitude en vironment will not be found, but since these areas are so integrally associated with water and electrolyte regulation they are not ignored.

The concept of this book has developed over the past fi fteen years as interest in the water and electrolyte disturbances associated with most environmental settings moved from a research area of descriptive discovery to one dealing with the mechanisms responsible for the previously observed disturbances. Most of the contributing authors have been involved in both aspects of this evolution of research, focusing on those problems associated with body fluid and electrolyte balance and searching for hormonal explanations. What did not accompany this transition, however, was a source of information encompassing the area of interest. Instead, the previous format of environmentally focused symposia, reviews, and books continued to be the only sources available. For instance, various books deal with the physiology of high altitude, space, or exercise but do not necessarily provide adequate coverage of water and electrolyte disturbances. To our knowledge, the format of this book is unique. We have made the central focus water and electrolyte physiology with an emphasis on endocrinology and tried to comprehensively cover this area of physiology in some of the more heavily studied environments. This book too, then, will have its limitations in coverage. For instance, in-depth coverage of the respiratory and cardiovascular responses to the high altitude en vironment will not be found, but since these areas are so integrally associated with water and electrolyte regulation they are not ignored.

Vertebrate Endocrinology: Fundamentals and Biomedical Implications, Volume 2: Regulation of Water and Electrolytes provides information pertinent to vertebrate endocrine systems, which has significant contributions to basic biological and biomedical research. This book discusses the practical implications of the endocrinological studies. Organized into 13 chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the comprehensive aspects of endocrinology in mammalian and nonmammalian vertebrates, with emphasis on those systems that affect salt and water balance. This book then discusses the control of secretion as well as the function and biomedical implications of knowledge of secretion and function. Other chapters discuss several topics, including neurohypophysis, adrenal hormones, and pancreatic hormones. This text discusses as well the renin–angiotensin system. The final chapter deals with the changes that occur during vertebrate evolution in smaller peptide hormones, such as the neurohypophysial peptides and the angiotensins. Endocrinologists, biologists, graduate students, and researchers will find this book extremely useful.

A timely symposium entitled Body-Fluid Homeostasis: Transduction and Integration was held at Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil in 2011. This meeting was convened as an official satellite of a joint gathering of the International Society for Autonomic Neuroscience (ISAN) and the American Autonomic Society (AAS) held in Buzios, Rio de Janeiro. Broad international participation at this event generated stimulating discussion among the invited speakers, leading to the publication of Neurobiology of Body Fluid Homeostasis: Transduction and Integration. Drawn from the proceedings and filled with rich examples of integrative neurobiology and regulatory physiology, this volume: Provides updated research using human and animal models for the control of bodily fluids, thirst, and salt appetite Explores neural and endocrine control of body fluid balance, arterial pressure, thermoregulation, and ingestive behavior Discusses recent developments in molecular genetics, cell biology, and behavioral plasticity Reviews key aspects of brain serotonin and steroid and peptide control of fluid consumption and arterial pressure The book highlights research conducted by leading scientists on signal transduction and sensory afferent mechanisms, molecular genetics, perinatal and adult long-term influences on regulation, central neural integrative circuitry, and autonomic/neuroendocrine effector systems. The findings discussed by the learned contributors are relevant for a basic understanding of disorders such as heat injury, hypertension, and excess salt intake. A unique reference on the neurobiology of body fluid homeostasis, this volume is certain to fuel additional research and stimulate further debate on the topic.

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