Steroid Hormone Regulation of the Brain focuses on the advancement of knowledge of the properties of brain steroid receptors and steroid target nerve cells, including the actions of gonadal steroids, adrenocortical steroids, and androgenic steroids on the brain. The selection features the work of authors who have inspiringly conducted extensive studies on the action of steroid hormones. The book starts with discussions that point out that steroid hormones not only function through intracellular steroid receptors, but possibly through steroid membrane actions as well. Studies to support this cl ...

The first of its kind, this reference gives a comprehensive but concise introduction to epigenetics before covering the many interactions between hormone regulation and epigenetics at all levels. The contents are very well structured with no overlaps between chapters, and each one features supplementary material for use in presentations. Throughout, major emphasis is placed on pathological conditions, aiming at the many physiologists and developmental biologists who are familiar with the importance and mechanisms of hormone regulation but have a limited background in epigenetics.

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.

This volume provides comprehensive coverage of the current knowledge of the physiology of the endocrine system and hormone synthesis and release, transport, and action at the molecular and cellular levels. It presents essential as well as in-depth information of value to both medical students and specialists in Endocrinology, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Although it is well established that the endocrine system regulates essential functions involved in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis, it is increasingly being recognized that this complex regulatory system comprises not only hormones secreted by the classic endocrine glands but also hormones and regulatory factors produced by many organs, and involves extensive crosstalk with the neural and immune system. At the same time, our knowledge of the molecular basis of hormone action has greatly improved. Understanding this complexity of endocrine physiology is crucial to prevent endocrine disorders, to improve the sensitivity of our diagnostic tools, and to provide the rationale for pharmacological, immunological, or genetic interventions. It is such understanding that this book is designed to foster.

Steroid Hormone Regulation of the Brain focuses on the advancement of knowledge of the properties of brain steroid receptors and steroid target nerve cells, including the actions of gonadal steroids, adrenocortical steroids, and androgenic steroids on the brain. The selection features the work of authors who have inspiringly conducted extensive studies on the action of steroid hormones. The book starts with discussions that point out that steroid hormones not only function through intracellular steroid receptors, but possibly through steroid membrane actions as well. Studies to support this claim are presented. As to the action of steroid hormones on presynaptic transmitter mechanisms, the book suggests that adrenocortical and gonadal steroids can create alterations in noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine levels and turnover within the hypothalamus and preoptic area. The effects of catecholestrogens on the brain are also elaborated. A contribution to this paper stresses that estrogens have antidopaminergic action in the extrapyramidal system. This idea is identified through a series of behavioral experiments and measurements of the levels of striatal acetylcholine. This selection is recommended to scientists interested in studying the effect of hormones on the brain.

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

This timely volume provides a comprehensive overview of glucocorticoids and their role in regulating many aspects of physiology and their use in the treatment of disease. The book is broken into four sections that begin by giving a general introduction to glucocorticoids and a brief history of the field. The second section will discuss the effects of glucocorticoids on metabolism, while the third section will cover the effects of glucocorticoids on key tissues. The final section will discuss general topics, such as animal models in glucocorticoid research and clinical implications of glucocorticoid research. Featuring chapters from leaders in the field, this volume will be of interest to both researchers and clinicians.