Update on basic and clinical research on pituitary function and disease.

The pituitary, albeit a small gland, is known as the "master gland" of the endocrine system and contributes to a wide spectrum of disorders, diseases, and syndromes. Since the publication of the second edition of The Pituitary, in 2002, there have been major advances in the molecular biology research of pituitary hormone production and action and there is now a better understanding of the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors and clinical syndromes resulting in perturbation of pituitary function. There have also been major advances in the clinical management of pituitary disorders. Medical researchers and practitioners now better understand the morbidity and mortality associated with pituitary hormone hyposecretion and hypersecretion. Newly developed drugs, and improved methods of delivering established drugs, are allowing better medical management of acromegaly and prolactinoma. These developments have improved the worldwide consensus around the definition of a "cure" for pituitary disease, especially hormone hypersecretion, and hence will improve the success or lack of success of various forms of therapy. It is therefore time for a new edition of The Pituitary. The third edition will continue to be divided into sections that summarize normal hypothalamic-pituitary development and function, hypothalamic-pituitary failure, and pituitary tumors; additional sections will describe pituitary disease in systemic disorders and diagnostic procedures, including imaging, assessment of the eyes, and biochemical testing. The first chapter will be completely new – placing a much greater emphasis on physiology and pathogenesis. Two new chapters will be added on the Radiation and Non-surgical Management of the Pituitary and Other Pituitary Lesions. Other chapters will be completely updated and many new author teams will be invited. The second edition published in 2002 and there have been incredible changes in both the research and clinical aspects of the pituitary over the past 8 years – from new advances in growth hormones to pituitary tumor therapy. - Presents a comprehensive, translational source of information about the pituitary in one reference work - Pituitary experts (from all areas of research and practice) take readers from the bench research (cellular and molecular mechanism), through genomic and proteomic analysis, all the way to clinical analysis (histopathology and imaging) and new therapeutic approaches - Clear presentation by endocrine researchers of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pituitary hormones and growth factors as well as new techniques used in detecting lesions (within the organ) and other systemic disorders - Clear presentation by endocrinologists and neuroendocrine surgeons of how imaging, assessment of the eyes, and biochemical testing can lead to new therapeutic approaches

Function and disease of the pituitary gland have long been at the center of research interest. Based on a recent meeting held at Iguazu Falls, Argentina, this volume of Frontiers of Hormone Research highlights scientifically exciting and clinically relevant areas in this fast-developing field. Renowned specialists and experts from Latin and North America, Europe and Australia discuss in their contributions various aspects of tumorigenesis, prolactinomas, hormone regulation and action, growth hormone and acromegaly, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as well as Cushing disease. A fascinating update on selected issues in basic and clinical research, this book will be of great interest to both neuroendocrinologists and endocrinologists working on pituitary diseases and related issues.

Gigantism and Acromegaly brings together pituitary experts, taking readers from bench research, to genetic analysis, clinical analysis, and new therapeutic approaches. This book serves as a reference for growth hormone over-secretion and its diagnosis and treatment for endocrinologists, pediatricians, internists, and neurosurgeons, and for geneticists. Pharmaceutical companies may use it as a reference for drug development and research. Students, residents and fellows in medicine and endocrinology and genetics will also find it valuable as it provides a single up-to-date review of the molecular biology of gigantism and acromegaly as well as recommended approaches to evaluation and management. Acromegaly is a rare pituitary disorder that slowly changes its adult victim's appearance over time: larger hands and feet, bigger jaw, forehead, nose, and lips. Generally, a benign pituitary tumor is the cause and symptoms of acromegaly can vary from patient to patient, making a diagnosis difficult and prolonging suffering for years. Early detection is key in the management of acromegaly as the pathologic effects of increased growth hormone (GH) production are progressive and can be life-threatening as the result of associated cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory disorders and malignancies. - Accessible, up-to-date overview of the characteristics, state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, and management of acromegaly and gigantism - Provides a unique compendium of endocrinology, genetics, clinical diagnosis and therapeutics - Contains contributions from internationally known experts who have treated patients with acromegaly and gigantism

Function and disease of the pituitary gland have long been at the center of research interest. Based on a recent meeting held at Iguazu Falls, Argentina, this volume of Frontiers of Hormone Research highlights scientifically exciting and clinically relevant areas in this fast-developing field. Renowned specialists and experts from Latin and North America, Europe and Australia discuss in their contributions various aspects of tumorigenesis, prolactinomas, hormone regulation and action, growth hormone and acromegaly, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as well as Cushing disease. A fascinating update on selected issues in basic and clinical research, this book will be of great interest to both neuroendocrinologists and endocrinologists working on pituitary diseases and related issues.

A concise and innovative account of clinical neuroendocrine disorders and the key principles underlying their diagnosis and management.

And clinical aspects of the pituitary over the past 8 years - from new advances in growth hormones to pituitary tumor therapy.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis controls reactions to stress and regulates various body processes such as digestion, the immune system, mood and sexuality, and energy usage. This volume focuses on the role it plays in the immune system and provides substantive experimental and clinical data to support current understanding in the field, and potential applications of this knowledge in the treatment of disease. - Evidence presented in this book suggests that the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems form the Neuroendoimmune Supersystem, which integrates all the biological functions of higher organisms both in health and disease for their entire life cycle - Contributors include both the scientists who initiated the work on the HPA axis and on the autonomic nervous system, and those who joined the field later