First published in 1991: This book assimilates and evaluates the rapidly accumulating information regarding neuropeptides in the gut, their chemistry; genetic control; processing in enteric nerves; the projections of their nerves; their actions at the tissue, cell, and molecular levels; and their roles in controlling gut motility in health and disease. Neuropeptide Function in the Gastrointestinal Tract is directed to scientists in all disciplines who work with neuropeptides, as well as physiologists interested in the neural and smooth muscle actions of neuropeptides.

The field of microbial endocrinology is expressly devoted to understanding the mechanisms by which the microbiota (bacteria within the microbiome) interact with the host (“us”). This interaction is a two-way street and the driving force that governs these interactions are the neuroendocrine products of both the host and the microbiota. Chapters include neuroendocrine hormone-induced changes in gene expression and microbial endocrinology and probiotics. This is the first in a series of books dedicated to understanding how bi-directional communication between host and bacteria represents the cutting edge of translational medical research, and hopefully identifies new ways to understand the mechanisms that determine health and disease.​

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common and affects 5 to 20% of individuals worldwide. Physicians with various specialties and at different settings are bound to meet these patients. This book is written by clinicians with long experience with IBS patients at different settings that have performed active research on IBS from different angles. Topics discussed include the prevalence and incidence of IBS worldwide, symptoms and consequences for patients and the society; IBS symptom based diagnosis; pathogenesis and the different possible aetiological factors; a new hypothesis for the pathogenesis of IBS; post-infectious and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated IBS and treatment options, both non-pharmacological and pharmacological. This book does not only contain up to date data, but also included are the authors' points of view and their argument in several debated issues in IBS.

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.

On July 9-10, 2014, the Institute of Medicine's Food Forum hosted a public workshop to explore emerging and rapidly developing research on relationships among the brain, the digestive system, and eating behavior. Drawing on expertise from the fields of nutrition and food science, animal and human physiology and behavior, and psychology and psychiatry as well as related fields, the purpose of the workshop was to (1) review current knowledge on the relationship between the brain and eating behavior, explore the interaction between the brain and the digestive system, and consider what is known about the brain's role in eating patterns and consumer choice; (2) evaluate current methods used to determine the impact of food on brain activity and eating behavior; and (3) identify gaps in knowledge and articulate a theoretical framework for future research. Relationships among the Brain, the Digestive System, and Eating Behavior summarizes the presentations and discussion of the workshop.

Three distinct types of contractions perform colonic motility functions. Rhythmic phasic contractions (RPCs) cause slow net distal propulsion with extensive mixing/turning over. Infrequently occurring giant migrating contractions (GMCs) produce mass movements. Tonic contractions aid RPCs in their motor function. The spatiotemporal patterns of these contractions differ markedly. The amplitude and distance of propagation of a GMC are several-fold larger than those of an RPC. The enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells are the core regulators of all three types of contractions. The regulation of contractions by these mechanisms is modifiable by extrinsic factors: CNS, autonomic neurons, hormones, inflammatory mediators, and stress mediators. Only the GMCs produce descending inhibition, which accommodates the large bolus being propelled without increasing muscle tone. The strong compression of the colon wall generates afferent signals that are below nociceptive threshold in healthy subjects. However, these signals become nociceptive; if the amplitudes of GMCs increase, afferent nerves become hypersensitive, or descending inhibition is impaired. The GMCs also provide the force for rapid propulsion of feces and descending inhibition to relax the internal anal sphincter during defecation. The dysregulation of GMCs is a major factor in colonic motility disorders: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticular disease (DD). Frequent mass movements by GMCs cause diarrhea in diarrhea predominant IBS, IBD, and DD, while a decrease in the frequency of GMCs causes constipation. The GMCs generate the afferent signals for intermittent short-lived episodes of abdominal cramping in these disorders. Epigenetic dysregulation due to adverse events in early life is one of the major factors in generating the symptoms of IBS in adulthood.

Written by specialists in the different fields, this book presents new perspectives and insights into strategies and weapons to fight microbial infections. It also reviews the “state of the art” of alternative treatment approaches and new therapeutic agents to deal with infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms. In an era of accumulated resistance to current antibiotics, it is vital that this is undertaken without further delay. Aspects discussed include the control of RNA synthesis, the use of bacteriocins or enzybiotics (bacteriophages or purified lysins), the specific control of pathogenic clostridia, the design of new drugs affecting DNA synthesis in bacteria, the use of fecal-matter transplant strategies, the specific control of quorum sensing responses in bacteria, the use of new peptides as antibiotics and new ways to control bacteria that cause cancer, such as Helicobacter pylori cancers.

Regulatory peptides represent the most diverse and versatile family of messenger molecules. They are produced by all living organisms from bacteria to mammals. They are involved in a wide variety of biological functions. Biologically active peptides and their receptors thus constitute an unlimited source of inspiration for the development of innovative drugs and cosmetics. The present eBook is a unique collection of research articles and reviews that provide a representative examplification of the latest progress in regulatory peptide research.