An Introduction to Neuroendocrinology 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.
1. Classification of the chemical messengers
2. The endocrine glands and their hormones
3. The pituitary gland and its hormones
4. The hypothalamic hormones
5. Neurotransmitters
6. Neurotransmitter control of hypothalamic, pituitary and other hormones
7. Regulation of hormone synthesis, storage, release, transport and deactivation
8. Regulation of hormone levels in the bloodstream
9. Steroid and thyroid receptors
10. Receptors for peptide hormones, neuropeptides and neurotransmitters
11. Neuropeptides I: classification, synthesis, and colocalization with classical neurotransmitters
12. Neuropeptides II: neuropeptide function
13. Lymphokines and the interaction between the neuroendocrine and immune systems
14. Methods for the study of behavioural neuroendocrinology
15. An overview of behavioural neuroendocrinology: present, future and past
References
Index
"[...] the first introductory work to be published for an advanced undergraduate and/or beginning graduate reader [...] Brown has done a masterful job of presenting material in such a way that beginning students can appreciate and comprehend the broad scope of neuroendocrinology, while more advanced students are free to explore its more intricate details [...]"
- D.M. Senseman, Science & Technology
" [...] produces valuable insights into controversial issues [...] an excellent overview of the state-of-the-art in neuroendocrinology. An Introduction to Neuroendocrinology explains key concepts, methodologies, and findings in this complex and rapidly developing field. Written in a clear, direct expository style, this book is likely to delight undergraduates. Advanced graduate students are likely to find useful references in the well-balanced presentation of this diverse, multidisciplinary field. Brown has also done a superb job of providing the nonspecialized reader with an authoritative, exceptionally readable overview of how hormones, the brain, and behavior interact with one another."
- Mei-Fang Cheng, Bioscience
" [...] a useful book for introductory students in the neurosciences."
- David H. Sarne, Doody's Annual, 1994-95
" [...] a very useful book. It brings together a wealth of neuroendocrine information and is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source for this, of which I am aware."
- Paul E. Cooper, Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences