Neuroendocrinology underpins fundamental physiological, molecular, biological, and genetic principles such as the regulation of gene transcription and translation. This handbook highlights the experimental and technical foundations of each area's major concepts and principles.

Our world and bodies are becoming increasingly polluted with chemicals capable of interfering with our hormones and thus, possibly, our present and future neural and mental health. As authors Heather Patisaul and Scott Belcher outline, there is a large lack of data and evidence in this causal relationship, which begs a need for further study to accelerate progress in the endocrinology and neuroendocrinology fields. Endocrine Disruptors, Brain, and Behavior focuses on if and how these chemicals, known as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), affect the development and function of the brain and might be contributing to neural disorders rapidly rising in prevalence. The book provides an overall synthesis of the EDC field, including its historical roots, major hypotheses, key findings, and research gaps. The authors explain why even the concept of endocrine disruption is controversial in some circles, how differing definitions of endocrine disruption and what constitutes an "adverse" outcome on the brain shape public policy, and where the current capacity by different stakeholders (industry, academia, regulatory agencies) to evaluate chemicals for safety in a regulatory context begins and ends. The book concludes with suggestions for future research needs and a summary of emerging technology which might prove capable of more effectively evaluating existing and emerging chemicals for endocrine disrupting properties. As such, it provides the context for interdisciplinary and innovative input from a broad spectrum of fields, including those well-schooled in neuroscience, evolutionary biology, brain, behavior, sex differences, and neuroendocrinology.

Understanding of the neuroendocrine system provides an insight into a wide range of bodily and mental processes. Neuroendocrinology and Behavior brings its readers a concise guide to up-to-date knowledge on the function of the endocrine glands and organs in association with neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and behavioral manifestations. Various forms of stress response, e.g. anxiety and cognitive changes, have been intrinsic to both ourselves and other species. Specifically, these mechanisms involve complex interplays among physical, emotional, and behavioral processes in humans. This volume provides information on peptide hormones, i.e. oxytocin and vasopressin, and how studies of these neuropeptides enrich our understanding of social and other behaviors. These neuromodulators also affect sexual behavior and water balance in the body, an issue also addressed in this Book.

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.

Latest issue in the CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY se- ries which has been gaining a great deal of reputation as a primary source for reviews in neuroendocrinology and related areas in the past few years.

Inspired by Carlos Beyer’s 50 years of pioneering research and influence on his students and colleagues, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology builds upon Beyer’s fundamental discoveries and concepts as well as their widespread implications. It presents original research and reviews on mechanisms — genomic and non-genomic — of steroid and protein hormone action; the role of steroid metabolism, especially aromatization, protein phosphorylation, and neurotransmitter action in mediating reproductive behavior and sexual differentiation; and brain and spinal cord mechanisms in sexual behavior and analgesia. This book presents a rich diversity of topics — lactation, maternal behavior, pheromone action, chronobiology, allodynia, angiogenesis, prostate physiology, sexual motivation, and specific brain systems, including vomeronasal system, cerebellum, preoptic area, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. This book brings together, in one source, an international "family" of researchers whose work has evolved in diverse but related ways from a seminal set of discoveries and concepts in behavioral neuroendocrinology.