The first comprehensive book to cover all aspects of the last 25 years of PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide) research, this book contains contributions from virtually all the leading researchers in the field, and addresses some of the following topics: evolutionary aspects of PACAP, distribution and occurrence of PACAP and its receptors, hormonal effects of PACAP, intracellular signaling, effects on cellular proliferation and differentiation, protective effects of PACAP, behavioral effects of PACAP, developmental aspects of PACAP, other physiological effects of PACAP (cardiovascular, thermoregulatory), human studies, drug design, metabolism and transport. This compendium can serve as an important reference for researchers and students in PACAP research and can also be a thorough introduction for those in related fields.

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the first volume to be written on the neuropeptide PACAP. It covers all domains of PACAP from molecular and cellular aspects to physiological activities and promises for new therapeutic strategies. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the twentieth volume published in the Endocrine Updates book series under the Series Editorship of Shlomo Melmed, MD.

Stress impacts the daily lives of humans and all species on Earth.Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pathology, the third volume of the Handbook of Stress series, covers stress-related or induced physiology, biochemistry, and pathology. Integrated closely with new behavioral findings and relevance to human conditions, the concepts and data in this volume offer readers cutting-edge information on the physiology of stress.A sequel to Elsevier's Encyclopedia of Stress (2000 and 2007), this Handbook of Stress series covers the many significant advances made since then and comprises self-contained volumes that each focus on a specific area within the field of stress. Targeted at scientific and clinical researchers in neuroendocrinology, neuroscience, biomedicine, endocrinology, psychology, psychiatry, the social sciences, and stress and its management in the workplace, this volume and series are ideal for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty interested in stress and its consequences. - Chapters offer impressive scope, with topics addressing stress-related or induced physiology, biochemistry, and pathology - Articles carefully selected by eminent stress researchers and prepared by contributors representing outstanding scholarship in the field, with each chapter fully vetted for reliable expert knowledge - Richly illustrated with explanatory figures and tables - Each chapter has a boxed "Key points call out section - The volume is fully indexed - All chapters are electronically available via ScienceDirect - Affordably priced, self-contained volume for readers specifically interested in the physiology, biochemistry and pathology of stress, avoiding the need to purchase the whole Handbook series

Handbook of Amygdala Structure and Function, Volume 26, provides an updated overview on the functional neuroanatomy of amygdala nuclei, with an emphasis on interconnections (basolateral, central amygdala, medial amygdala) and their integration into related networks/circuits (prefrontal cortex, bed nucleus, nucleus accumbens). The design of this volume builds upon the foundations of functional neural circuits and the corresponding (cellular) electrophysiology important for the homeostatic control of amygdala function. This volume contains a dedicated section on the anatomical organization of the amygdala nuclei, emphasizing the role of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that integrate signals and regulate behavior. Additional chapters discuss cellular physiology, plasticity and the integration of electrical signals that contribute to neural activity. The final section of the book connects the role of amygdala dysfunction and the development of disorders in human health and disease.

Although the genomic era is no longer in its infancy, the life sciences are still facing questions about the role of endogenous proteins and peptides in homeostasis and pathologies. Delving into one of the most current fields of interest in biology and medicine, Neuropeptides in Neuroprotection and Neuroregeneration describes the impact of neuropeptides on neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. The book begins with chapters describing important features of the endogenous neuropeptide systems related to their formation, receptor signaling, and inactivation. It includes chapters focused on the design and development of peptide-like drugs (peptidomimetics). In addition, the book covers: General aspects regarding the biosynthesis, structures, and distribution of neuroactive peptides and their receptors Basic mechanisms for neuropeptide action, metabolism, as well as techniques for their detection and aspects essential for the cellular mechanisms underlying brain pathology Neuropeptides known for their impact in neurodegenerative and neuroprotective processes Fundamental aspects as well as recent progress in the development of peptidomimetics of neuroprotective and cognition-enhancing peptides

A panel of leading experts integrate the latest findings from basic and clinical science to create a comprehensive treatment of the processes by which the brain acts as an endocrine organ, not only to control hormonal functions, but also to maintain homeostasis and regulate behavior. The authors-recognized both as leaders in their fields and as skilled teachers-provide systematic coverage of the analytical, anatomical, functional, clinical, and pathological aspects of neuroendocrinology. Topics range from the interactions between the nervous and endocrine systems to the regulation of reproduction, development, metabolism, fluid balance, and biological rhythms. Neuroendocrinology in Physiology and Medicine offers an unprecedented marriage of clinical and basic knowledge that has been missing from classical neuroscience, endocrinology, and physiology texts. It will teach today's medical students and serve researchers as a valuable reference to this rapidly growing field.

Advances in itch research have elucidated differences between itch and pain but have also blurred the distinction between them. There is a long debate about how somatic sensations including touch, pain, itch, and temperature sensitivity are encoded by the nervous system. Research suggests that each sensory modality is processed along a fixed, direct-line communication system from the skin to the brain. Itch: Mechanisms and Treatment presents a timely update on all aspects of itch research and the clinical treatment of itch that accompanies many dermatological conditions including psoriasis, neuropathic itch, cutaneous t-cells lymphomas, and systemic diseases such as kidney and liver disease and cancer. Composed of contributions from distinguished researchers around the world, the book explores topics such as: Neuropathic itch Peripheral neuronal mechanism of itch The role of PAR-2 in neuroimmune communication and itch Mrgprs as itch receptors The role of interleukin-31 and oncostatin M in itch and neuroimmune communication Spinal coding of itch and pain Spinal microcircuits and the regulation of itch Examining new findings on cellular and molecular mechanisms, the book is a compendium of the most current research on itch, its prevalence in society, and the problems associated with treatment.

The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis. Hypothalamic neuronal circuits thus represent a privileged target for the treatment of eating disorders and metabolic diseases. The present eBook constitutes a unique collection of research articles and reviews that highlight new concepts and recent findings about the neuroendocrine control of feeding behavior.