Handbook of Neuroendocrinology

Neuroendocrinology, the discipline concerned with how the nervous system controls hormonal secretion and how hormones control the brain, is pivotal to physiology and medicine. Neuroendocrinology has disclosed and underpins fundamental physiological, molecular biological and genetic principles such as the regulation of gene transcription and translation, the mechanisms of chemical neurotransmission and intracellular and systemic feedback control systems. Reproduction, growth, stress, aggression, metabolism, birth, feeding and drinking and blood pressure are some of the bodily functions that are triggered and/or controlled by neuroendocrine systems. In turn, neuroendocrine dysfunction due to genetic or other deficits can lead, for example, to infertility, impotence, precocious or delayed puberty, defective or excessive growth, obesity and anorexia, Cushing's Syndrome, hypertension or thyroid disorders. These as well as neuroendocrine tumors are some of the themes covered in the 36 chapters of the Handbook. Drafted by internationally acknowledged experts in the field, the Handbook chapters feature detailed up-to-date bibliographies as well as "how do we know?" call out sections that highlight the experimental or technical foundations for major concepts, principles, or methodological advances in each area. Aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty in neuroscience, medicine, endocrinology, psychiatry, psychology and cognate disciplines, the Handbook of Neuroendocrinology satisfies an unmet need that will prove useful at the laboratory bench as well as in the office.

• The most comprehensive up-to-date source covering basic principles, neural regulation, hormone/brain function and behavior, and neuroendocrine pathology
• Outstanding scholarship, with chapters written by a truly international cast of experts in the field
• "How do we know?" callout sections highlight core concepts
• Heavily illustrated with over 350 figures, 4-color throughout

George Fink is a Neuroendocrinologist and Neuropharmacologist who has had a major interest in stress since the start of his career. He was recently appointed Vice President and Director of Research of the Pharmos Corporation in Israel and the United States, and is the former Director of the Medical Research Council's Brain Metabolism Unit and honorary professor in the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Dr. Fink has published over 340 neuroendocrine papers and several authoritative books, and is past president of the European Neuroendocrine Association.
Donald W. Pfaff heads the Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior at The Rockefeller University. He received his scientific training at Harvard College and MIT. He is a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Pfaff's laboratory focuses on steroid hormones and brain function, genes influencing neuronal functions, and generalized CNS arousal. He is the author or coauthor of over 10 books and more than 900 research publications.

This volume presents findings from the world experts in the discipline and chapters deal with both theory and research. The basic principles of neuroendocrinology, neural regulation, hormone/brain function and behavior, and neuroendocrine pathology are all addressed in full. Chapters are heavily illustrated in color to most functionally elucidate the principles being discussed, and each will feature "How do we know?" callout sections which highlight the foundation of major concepts via figures, diagrams and key points.