In this volume contemporary methods designed to provide insights into, mathematical structure for, and predictive inferences about neuroendocrine control mechanisms are presented. - Collates an array of contemporary techniques for analysis of neuroendocrine data - Discusses current problems in and solutions to neurohormone pulse analysis - Identifies relevant software available

Going beyond step-by-step descriptions of how to perform techniques, Methods in Neuroendocrinology examines the questions that are being asked in the field, what problems need to be overcome, and what the limits of interpretation are involved in each approach. The experimental approaches described in this book merge endocrine and neuroscientific research and offer insight into the many disciplines involved. Demonstrating what can be learned from applying different approaches to neuroendocrine research, Methods in Neuroendocrinology leads the reader from elementary techniques to more complex methods for examining neuroendocrine function. The research methodology outlined addresses four main questions: (1) What are the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the synthesis and secretion of hormones? (2) How do other cells influence neuroendocrine control mechanisms? (3) How do hormones feed back on their neuroendocrine regulatory neurons? (4) How can we use hormones as indicators of specific changes in neuroendocrine control sites in the brain? Much more than a "cookbook", this is a resource for every researcher who wants to pursue new areas of inquiry in the science of neuroendocrinology.

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

Computers have become an integral part of medical imaging systems and are used for everything from data acquisition and image generation to image display and analysis. As the scope and complexity of imaging technology steadily increase, more advanced techniques are required to solve the emerging challenges. Biomedical Image Analysis demonstr

JOSEPH MEITES The idea that the endocrine system is involved in aging processes is as old as the beginnings of endocrinology. The first endocrine experiment related to aging was reported by Brown-Sequard, who is usually re garded as the "father of endocrinology. " In 1889, at the age of 72 years, he reported that he had succeeded in rejuvenating himself by injections of testicular extracts from dogs and guinea pigs. Although the favorable effects observed may have been due mainly to the powers of auto suggestion, his reports created a considerable interest in endocrinology and its relation to aging, and eventually led to the use of estrogens for treating certain pre-and postmenopausal symptoms in women, and an drogens for treating some symptoms in aging men. Up to about the 1960's, the relatively few studies on endocrine-aging relationships dealt mainly with changes in weight and histological appearance of endocrine organs in aging animals and human subjects, and included a limited number of measurements of endocrine function by bioassays and chem ical (for steroids) procedures. Within these limitations, gerontological investigators were unable to establish any definite relationships between endocrine functions and aging processes, with the exception of the con nection between reproductive decline and gonadal and pituitary activity.

A panel of leading experts integrate the latest findings from basic and clinical science to create a comprehensive treatment of the processes by which the brain acts as an endocrine organ, not only to control hormonal functions, but also to maintain homeostasis and regulate behavior. The authors-recognized both as leaders in their fields and as skilled teachers-provide systematic coverage of the analytical, anatomical, functional, clinical, and pathological aspects of neuroendocrinology. Topics range from the interactions between the nervous and endocrine systems to the regulation of reproduction, development, metabolism, fluid balance, and biological rhythms. Neuroendocrinology in Physiology and Medicine offers an unprecedented marriage of clinical and basic knowledge that has been missing from classical neuroscience, endocrinology, and physiology texts. It will teach today's medical students and serve researchers as a valuable reference to this rapidly growing field.