Neuroendocrinology: The Normal Neuroendocrine System (Volume 181) (Progress in Brain Research, Volume 181) - Hardcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

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.

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Neuroendocrinology is a discipline which originated 50 years ago when it was postulated that the hypothalamus might control the anterior pituitary gland through the synthesis of specific Releasing and Inhibiting Hormones. It soon became evident that the brain was responsible for the biosynthesis of many neuropeptides which acted as neurotransmitters, operating in strict cooperation with acetylcholine, the catecholamines and serotonin.

It was discovered that many recognized neuropeptides are directly produced in several peripheral tumors, facilitating their exact localization, suggesting the appropriate therapies and dictating their prognosis. Synthetic neuropeptides together with antiestrogens and antiandrogens are now considered crucial for the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers such as breast and prostate malignancies. Recent work has revealed that neuropeptides and steroid hormones may play a role in the treatment of the most common neurodegenerative diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer’s.

Volumes 181 and 182 Research provide a comprehensive picture of the current field of neuroendocrinology, taking into account its two articulations: basic sciences (volume 181) and clinical applications (volume 182).