Mechanisms of Hormone Action: A NATO Advanced Study Institute focuses on the action mechanisms of hormones, including regulation of proteins, hormone actions, and biosynthesis. The selection first offers information on hormone action at the cell membrane and a new approach to the structure of polypeptides and proteins in biological systems, such as the membranes of cells. Discussions focus on the cell membrane as a possible locus for the hormone receptor; gaps in understanding of the molecular organization of the cell membrane; and a possible model of hormone action at the membrane level. The text also ponders on insulin and regulation of protein biosynthesis, including insulin and protein biosynthesis, insulin and nucleic acid metabolism, and proposal as to the mode of action of insulin in stimulating protein synthesis. The publication elaborates on the action of a neurohypophysial hormone in an elasmobranch fish; the effect of ecdysone on gene activity patterns in giant chromosomes; and action of ecdysone on RNA and protein metabolism in the blowfly, Calliphora erythrocephala. Topics include nature of the enzyme induction, ecdysone and RNA metabolism, and nature of the epidermis nuclear RNA fractions isolated by the Georgiev method. The selection is a valuable reference for readers interested in the mechanisms of hormone action.

Thyroid hormone plays an important role in development and functional maintenance in the central nervous system. Deficiency of thyroid hormone during fetal and early postnatal life induces abnormal development known as cretinism in humans. However, the molecular mechanism of thyroid hormone action has not yet been fully understood. Thyroid hormone action in the brain may be disrupted under various pathological conditions. In addition, environmental factors including endocrine-disrupting chemicals and bacterial endotoxins may disrupt thyroid hormone action in brain, causing abnormal brain development and functional disruption. This is a first book to comprehensively describe the effect of thyroid hormone disruption in the central nervous system. The first section deals with the disruption of thyroid hormone action at the molecular level. First the authors provide a summary of the possible molecular mechanisms of thyroid hormone action in the brain, then they discuss several factors that may disrupt thyroid hormone action. In the second section, animal models to study thyroid hormone action will be introduced. An interesting character of thyroid hormone deficiency is that, without thyroid hormone, the thyroid hormone receptor may act as a “repressor” of gene expression, causing more severe consequence than those of thyroid hormone receptor knockout animals. Thus, several different kind of animal models may be used to clarify the role of thyroid hormone and its receptor in the brain. In the third section, human studies on thyroid disease and neurodevelopment will be introduced. Although endemic cretinism induced by iodine deficiency and sporadic cretinism by various thyroid mutation are well known, the pathophysiological mechanisms that create each abnormal phenotype are not fully understood. ​

The purpose of the present volume is to focus on more recent aspects of the complex regulation of hormonal action, in particular in 3 different hot fields: metabolism, growth and reproduction. Modern approaches to the physiology and pathology of endocrine glands are based on cellular and molecular investigation of genes, peptide, hormones, protein cascade at different levels. In all of the chapters in the book all, or at least some, of these aspects are described in order to increase the endocrine knowledge.

This revised new edition reviews the substantial advances in our understanding of the vital role of growth hormone (GH) in maintaining adult health, and the resulting disorders from GH deficiency. The first edition, published in 1996, provided a pioneering overview of the subject; this new edition provides an even more comprehensive account, fully updated with the latest research, clinical applications, and references. The therapeutic benefits of GH treatment in GH deficiency are thoroughly evaluated, including effects on metabolism, cardiac function, exercise performance, psychosocial aspects, and aging and gender-specific effects. This compilation by the world's leading experts covers clinical investigation, diagnosis and treatment issues, and encompasses new knowledge of the control and action of GH secretion. This volume is the most authoritative, comprehensive, and detailed account available and will be an essential source of reference for all endocrinologists.

This volume provides a detailed overview of the mechanisms by which steroid hormones regulate gene activity in target cells. It should be of interest to molecular biologists, endocrinologists, pharmacologists and clinicians interested in gene regulation hormones and steroid antagonists.

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.

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.

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This updated second edition of Diagnosis and Management of Ovarian Disorders provides thorough, yet succinct insight into the ever-changing realm of ovarian disorders. It presents a novel multidisciplinary approach to the subject as described by clinicians, surgeons, pathologists, basic scientists and related medical researchers. Topics covered include reproductive technology, early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and management of menopause among others. The breadth of information provided by this book will appeal to clinicians and researchers involved in the study and treatment of ovarian disorders.KEY FEATURES* Includes updated information on early diagnosis of ovarian cancer* Reviews new diagnostic techniques for ovarian disorders* Discusses latest information on reproductive technology* Presents translational treatment linking laboratory research with clinical medicine