Vertebrate Endocrinology represents more than just a treatment of the endocrine system-it integrates hormones with other chemical bioregulatory agents not classically included with the endocrine system. It provides a complete overview of the endocrine system of vertebrates by first emphasizing the mammalian system as the basis of most terminology and understanding of endocrine mechanisms and then applies that to non-mammals. The serious reader will gain both an understanding of the intricate relationships among all of the body systems and their regulation by hormones and other bioregulators, but also a sense of their development through evolutionary time as well as the roles of hormones at different stages of an animal's life cycle. - Includes new full color format includes over 450 full color, completely redrawn image - Features a companion web site hosting all images from the book as PPT slides and .jpeg files - Presents completedly updated and revitalized content with new chapters, such as Endocrine Disrupters and Behavioral Endocrinology - Offers new clinical correlation vignettes throughout

Thyroid hormones role in development was first suggested in the 18th century when a relationship between goiter and cretinism was found by F.E. Fodere. But it was Rudolf Virchow work in the late 19th century with thyroidectomized animals that clearly demonstrated that goiter led to cretinism. This opened the door to the understanding of TH action on vertebrate development. However given the relative ease by which cretinism could be treated simply by eating animal thyroid gland or iodine supplementation, research into the action of TH on vertebrate development has been lagging. This was further enhanced by the complex biology of TH where, after production in the gland, entry, activation and binding of the TH to cognate receptors in target cells is highly regulated. Nonetheless, new scientific advances and technologies are now providing tools to dissect the developmental role of TH on vertebrate development, both embryonic and post-natal. The post-natal role of TH in vertebrate development is long known from anuran studies but less evidences exist from other vertebrates. Recently, new evidences show that TH constitute key developmental signal in embryonic development of vertebrates, especially in neural development, from humans to fish. This new evidences are corroborating long-standing observations that infants from mothers with impaired TH physiology presented changes in mental and cognitive indexes. Nonetheless, given that TH constitute integrative physiological signals in vertebrates a new scenario is emerging whereas TH seem to be important in the development and maturation of most organ systems in vertebrates during their different life transitions

World-class palaeontologists and biologists summarise the state-of-the-art on fish evolution and development.

One of the only books to discuss all vertebrates, the fourth edition of Vertebrate Endocrinology has been completely reorganized and updated to explore the intricate mechanisms that control human physiology and behavior as well as that of other vertebrate animals. Perfect for students in endocrinology, zoology, biology and physiology, it allows readers to gain both an understanding of the intricate relationships among all of the body systems and their regulation by hormones and other bioregulators, but also a sense of their development through evolutionary time as well as the roles of hormones at different stages of an animal's life cycle. Chapters have been reorganized to more closely follow traditional classroom presentation and extensive suggested readings are included at the end of each chapter allowing the reader to obtain further information as well as connect concepts to the literature on which the book is based. For the first time, this edition features four-color illustrations. - Provides a complete overview of the endocrine system of vertebrates by first emphasizing the mammalian system as the basis of most terminology and understanding of endocrine mechanisms and then applies that to non-mammals - Introduces the reader to suitable concepts and explanation of jargon so that the reader will be able to delve directly into the primary literature on any endocrine-related topic with a background that will aid in their interpretation of new information - Revised and updated chapter on The Molecular Bases for Chemical Regulation that now includes more evolutionary data - Includes information on endocrine disrupting chemicals and their implications on the health of wildlife and humans

This Test Guideline describes an amphibian metamorphosis assay intended to screen substances which may interfere with the normal functioning of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis. The assay was validated with the species Xenopus laevis, which is ...

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 book provides concise and cutting-edge studies on threats resulting from exposure to environmental chemicals that can affect human health and development, with a particular emphasis on the DOHaD concept. The book is divided into five main parts, the first of which includes an introduction to the impacts of developmental exposure to environmental chemicals and historical perspectives, while the second focuses on how environmental chemicals can affect human organs, including neurodevelopment, immune functions, etc. In turn, the third part addresses the characteristics of specific chemicals and their effects on human health and development, while the fourth part provides a basis for future studies by highlighting the latest innovations in toxicology, remaining challenges, and promising strategies in children’s environmental health research, as well as ideas on how to bridge the gap between research evidence and practical policymaking. The fifth and last part outlines further research directions and related policymaking aspects. Health Impacts of Developmental Exposure to Environmental Chemicals will appeal to young and veteran researchers, students, and physicians (especially gynecologists and pediatricians) who are seeking comprehensive information on how children’s health can be affected by harmful chemicals and other environmental toxicants.

Some investigators have hypothesized that estrogens and other hormonally active agents found in the environment might be involved in breast cancer increases and sperm count declines in humans as well as deformities and reproductive problems seen in wildlife. This book looks in detail at the science behind the ominous prospect of "estrogen mimics" threatening health and well-being, from the level of ecosystems and populations to individual people and animals. The committee identifies research needs and offers specific recommendations to decision-makers. This authoritative volume: Critically evaluates the literature on hormonally active agents in the environment and identifies known and suspected toxicologic mechanisms and effects of fish, wildlife, and humans. Examines whether and how exposure to hormonally active agents occursâ€"in diet, in pharmaceuticals, from industrial releases into the environmentâ€"and why the debate centers on estrogens. Identifies significant uncertainties, limitations of knowledge, and weaknesses in the scientific literature. The book presents a wealth of information and investigates a wide range of examples across the spectrum of life that might be related to these agents.