Vasopressin and its homologues are evolutionarily ancient neuropeptides that are important to the neural modulation of behavior in many species. Over the last several decades there has been an emergence of cross-species consensus with regards to the broad behavioral domains that the vasopressin system influences. However, there are nuanced species- and sex-differences in the functions of this system, as well as evidence for cross-talk between this system and the oxytocin system. For this Research Topic, reviews and research articles from investigators across the field were solicited, with the goal to highlight some of the complexity and diversity within this system. This collection challenges researchers to broaden their understanding of this system as well as identifies areas in which additional research is needed. Topic areas featured include: - System complexity - Sex and species differences - Developmental effects - Human and non-human primates

Vasopressin and its homologues are evolutionarily ancient neuropeptides that are important to the neural modulation of behavior in many species. Over the last several decades there has been an emergence of cross-species consensus with regards to the broad behavioral domains that the vasopressin system influences. However, there are nuanced species- and sex-differences in the functions of this system, as well as evidence for cross-talk between this system and the oxytocin system. For this Research Topic, reviews and research articles from investigators across the field were solicited, with the goal to highlight some of the complexity and diversity within this system. This collection challenges researchers to broaden their understanding of this system as well as identifies areas in which additional research is needed. Topic areas featured include: - System complexity - Sex and species differences - Developmental effects - Human and non-human primates.

A comparative overview of the effects of neuropeptides on behavior, examining parallel findings in both humans and non-human animals.

"The Handbook is intended to be a service to the neuroscience community, to help in finding available and useful information, to point out gaps in our knowledge, and to encourage continued studies. It represents the valuable contributions of the many authors of the chapters and the guidance of the editors and most important, it represents support for research in this discipline. Based on the rapid advances in the years since the second edition."--Publisher's website.

Vasopressin and oxytocin are the key hormones of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system, and are well-known to be critically involved in antidiuresis, labor, and milk ejection. This book highlights the latest research on vasopressin and oxytocin, covering multiple biological aspects. The capacity of both hormones to regulate various aspects of social behaviours including pair-bonding, aggression, maternal love, and sexual behaviour, is a main focus, as are their interactions with a variety of other neuromodulators and transmitters. Moreover, the book illustrates the recent development of vasopressin and oxytocin agonists/antagonists as potential drugs to treat not only disturbances of body fluid homeostasis, but also mental disorders, including social phobia, autism, anxiety, and depression. The promising combination of basic and clinical research, comprising physiology, neuroendocrinology, behavioral biology, pharmacology, imaging and molecular genetics makes this book an essential addition to both experts and scientists new to the field alike. - Comprehensive review of OXT and AVP physiology and behaviour - Each chapter covers a novel aspect of OXT and AVP research and is written by a leading expert - Review articles are ideal for experts and newcomers to the field alike - Discusses fascinating behavioural effects of oxytocin and vasopressin - Summarizes the recent explosion of neuropeptide research, physiology and behaviour, is in one location

This monograph provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the field of vasopressin and oxytocin. In the summer of 1997, scientists from over 20 countries congregated in Montreal for the 1997 World Congress of Neurohypophysial Hormones, a conference that united the fields of vasopressin, neurohypophysis and oxytocin in a single joint meeting that gave rise to the present book. The organization of a joint meeting was prompted by several recent developments. Specifically the molecular characterization of the vasopressin/oxytocin receptor family made it mandatory to adopt an integrated view and to discuss the vasopressin/oxytocin ligand/receptor family as a whole. To ensure em phasis on novelty, the conference focused on advances made over the last two years and also included important contributions by scientists that had not previously been associated with the vasopressin/oxytocin field. Vasopressin and oxytocin are two neurohormones that exert a wide spectrum of cen tral and peripheral actions. Accordingly, the vasopressin/oxytocin field embraces a large number of different domains, ranging from neuroscience, endocrinology, and oncology to renal, reproductive, and cardiovascular physiology and pathology.

Vasopressin is a hormone which has an increasingly important profile. Not only does it play a physiologically significant role in renal water regulation but it also has other renal actions and plays a role in overall cardiovascular control. Even more interesting is the recent growing interest in its potential effects on the brain, notably its influence on specific behaviours. This monograph about the polypeptide vasopressin covers all aspects relating to the production, control of release, and actions of this molecule within the body, including its roles as a hormone and as a central neurotransmitter. A consideration of the evolution of the molecule across the species and a brief historical perspective are also included. Clinical conditions associated with hypo- and hyper-production states are considered together with aspects of treatment, in addition to other clinical correlates. Sample Chapter(s). Chapter 1: Introduction to Vasopressin (204 KB). Contents: Introduction to Vasopressin; Comparative and Evolutionary Aspects of Vasopressin; The Neurohypophysial System: Synthesis and Metabolism of Vasopressin; Vasopressin Receptors, the Signalling Cascade and Mechanisms of Action; Pharmacology of the Vasopressin Receptors; Vasopressin and Its Renal Effects; Vasopressin and the Cardiovascular System; Vasopressin and Its Interactions with Other Hormones and Control Systems; Understanding the Role of Vasopressin in the Hypothalamo-Pituitary Adrenocortical Axis; Vasopressin: The Central Systems; Vasopressin Secretion: Mechanisms of Control of Secretion from the Posterior Pituitary Gland; Clinical Aspects of Vasopressin. Readership: Academics, researchers, and postgraduates in the field of endocrinology.

Around the world societies are facing growing aging populations with the concomitant increase in neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuropsychiatric disorders are organic brain diseases with psychiatric symptoms, as in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, that cause cognitive impairment, including dementia, amnesic syndrome, and personality–behavioral changes. As a clinical science, neuropsychiatry aims to explore the complex interrelationship between behavior and brain function from a variety of perspectives, including those of psychology, neurology, and psychiatry. This concise and updated monograph comprises the latest findings in the field and includes chapters on delusional symptoms, mood disorders and neurotic symptoms, cognitive impairment, behavioral and personality changes, and recently, cerebral alterations revealed in PTSD patients and in endogenous psychoses through neuroimaging and neuropathology. These findings will certainly widen the realm of neuropsychiatry going forward and will prove of great value to specialists as well as to academics and trainees in neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology, neuroradiology, neuropathology, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and clinical genetics. Ultimately, neuropsychiatry aims to prevent and reduce the suffering of individuals with the psychiatric symptoms of cerebral disorders.

Advances in Brain Vasopressin elucidates the functions of the regulatory peptide vasopressin in the nervous system, and reviews the current status of this field at different levels. It deals with the cell biology and anatomy of the neurons that produce vasopressin in the brain, and provides an overview on the receptors of vasopressin and the signal transduction pathways that they activate, including the cellular responses that are triggered by vasopressin. Reviews are presented on the modulation of behavior induced by vasopressin in a number of different contexts, such as sex-linked and steroid-dependent behaviors, social behaviors, and learning and memory. Furthermore, the volume deals with several controversial issues in the field by presenting overlapping chapters from different research groups in order to provide the reader with current views. Highly relevant and useful, for those working on this "first" neuropeptide, and for young investigators entering the field, and in addition, shows how important a multidisciplinary approach is to unravelling the function of a neuropeptide in the brain.

This volume presents the proceedings of a New York Academy of Sciences conference held in May 1991. It focuses on the CNS oxytocin systems in maternal, sexual and social behaviours as both an intitial activator of those behaviours and a determinant of the duration, sequencing and pacing of sexual and mother-infant interactions which are critical for fertilisation and for successful nurturing of offspring.