The concept of hormonal regulation using intercellular peptide messengers dates back to the discovery of secretin in 1902. The concept was simple: A peptide is released from specific hormone producing cells, endocrine cells, into circulation upon stimulation of the cells. The peptide hormone travels via blood to its target, the cells of which are equipped with specific receptors for high-affinity binding of the particular peptide hormone. Receptor binding subsequently elicits action of the target cells. This concept has been seriously challenged by modern biochemistry and cell biology. Thus, it is now well established that the gene of a specific peptide hormone may be expressed in different types of endocrine cells, in neurons, and in some instances also in adipocytes, myocytes, osteoblasts, and immune cells. Today, only a few hormones – including the old master hormone insulin – represent the original endocrine paradigm. Instead, the widespread cellular synthesis now raises the qu- tion of how the body maintains the regulation of its functions by peptide hormones when a hormone may originate from a variety of cells.

Hormonal Proteins and Peptides, Volume II reviews extensively the knowledge on the biology and chemistry of the protein and peptide hormones. This book presents the structures of the various protein and peptide hormones. Organized into three chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the various aspects of the structure and function of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) with reference to the ability to stimulate the adrenal gland of the rat, amphibian melanophores, and adipose tissues of the rat and rabbit. This text then reviews the isolation, purification, and elucidation of the amino acid sequence of corticotropins from various species. Other chapters consider the structures of porcine and human ACTH. This book discusses as well the working hypothesis for studies on the secondary-tertiary structure of peptide hormones. The final chapter deals with the abbreviations used for amino acids and protecting groups. This book is a valuable resource for peptide chemists, biologists, biochemists, and research workers.

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.

This volume provides comprehensive coverage of the current knowledge of the physiology of the endocrine system and hormone synthesis and release, transport, and action at the molecular and cellular levels. It presents essential as well as in-depth information of value to both medical students and specialists in Endocrinology, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Although it is well established that the endocrine system regulates essential functions involved in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis, it is increasingly being recognized that this complex regulatory system comprises not only hormones secreted by the classic endocrine glands but also hormones and regulatory factors produced by many organs, and involves extensive crosstalk with the neural and immune system. At the same time, our knowledge of the molecular basis of hormone action has greatly improved. Understanding this complexity of endocrine physiology is crucial to prevent endocrine disorders, to improve the sensitivity of our diagnostic tools, and to provide the rationale for pharmacological, immunological, or genetic interventions. It is such understanding that this book is designed to foster.

Neurosciences – a comprehensive approach This textbook covers neuroscience from cellular and molecular mechanisms to behavior and cognitive processing. We also address evolution of the nervous system, computational neuroscience, the history of neuroscience as a discipline and neurophilosophy – to name but a few. The book provides the newest state-of-the-art knowledge about neuroscience from across the animal kingdom, with particular emphasis on model species commonly used in neuroscience labs across the world: mouse, zebra fish, fruit fly, honeybee, and nematode worm. We aim at university students of neuroscience, psychology, biological sciences, and medical sciences, but also computer scientists, philosophers, or anybody interested in understanding how brains work.

Hormonal Proteins and Peptides, Volume I reviews extensively the knowledge on the biology and chemistry of the protein and peptide hormones. This book presents the structures of the various protein and peptide hormones. Organized into five chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the chemistry of several hormonal glycoproteins. This text then presents the research on the purification and chemistry of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Other chapters consider the study of ovine interstitial cell-stimulating hormone, and concentrate to some extent on the very closely related bovine species. This book discusses as well some aspects of the biology of the pituitary interstitial cell-stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone in mammalian species. The final chapter deals with the correlation of the primary structure with function for a better understanding of the mechanism of action of the hormone at a molecular level. This book is a valuable resource for biologists, biochemists, and research workers.

**Selected for Doody's Core Titles® 2024 in Biochemistry** Human Biochemistry, Second Edition provides a comprehensive, pragmatic introduction to biochemistry as it relates to human development and disease. Here, Gerald Litwack, award-wining researcher and longtime teacher, discusses the biochemical aspects of organ systems and tissue, cells, proteins, enzymes, insulins and sugars, lipids, nucleic acids, amino acids, polypeptides, steroids, and vitamins and nutrition, among other topics. Fully updated to address recent advances, the new edition features fresh discussions on hypothalamic releasing hormones, DNA editing with CRISPR, new functions of cellular prions, plant-based diet and nutrition, and much more. Grounded in problem-driven learning, this new edition features clinical case studies, applications, chapter summaries, and review-based questions that translate basic biochemistry into clinical practice, thus empowering active clinicians, students and researchers. - Presents an update on a past edition winner of the 2018 Most Promising New Textbook (College) Award (Texty) from the Textbook and Academic Authors Association and the PROSE Award of the Association of American Publishers - Provides a fully updated resource on current research in human and medical biochemistry - Includes clinical case studies, applications, chapter summaries and review-based questions - Adopts a practice-based approach, reflecting the needs of both researchers and clinically oriented readers