Current Topics in Experimental Endocrinology

Current Topics in Experimental Endocrinology, Volume 1 provides a review on experimental endocrinology. The book discusses the basic concepts of saturation analysis techniques; the concept of how steroid hormones might influence the differentiation of certain brain structures instrumental in the control of gonadotropin secretion; and trends in the physiology of the posterior pituitary. The text also describes role of thymosin and other thymic factors in the development, maturation, and functions of lymphoid tissue; the chemistry and comparative chemistry of calcitonin, factors affecting its secretion and metabolic degradation, and the results of its preliminary therapeutic application in the complex situation of disordered bone metabolism found in Paget's disease. The chemical nature and the importance of the long-acting thyroid stimulator; the endocrinological implications of prostaglandins; and effects of ovarian hormones at the subcellular level are also encompassed. Endocrinologists and students taking related courses will find the book invaluable.

Inhalt

List of Contributors
Preface
Basic Concepts of Saturation Analysis Techniques
I. Introduction
II. Saturation Assay
III. Some Practical Aspects of Saturation Assay Procedures
IV. Conclusions
References
Steroid Hormones and the Differentiation of the Central Nervous System
I. General Introduction
II. The Androgen-sterilized Rat
III. The Possible Site of Action of Androgen
IV. The Possible Mechanism of Action of Androgen
V. Effects of Neonatal Treatment with Steroid Hormones Other Than Androgen on Subsequent Fertility
VI. Protection Against Steroid-Induced Sterility
VII. Summary and Conclusions
References
Recent Trends in the Physiology of the Posterior Pituitary
I. Introduction
II. Neurosecretion
III. Neurophysin
IV. Vasopressin
V. Oxytocin
VI. The Natriuretic Hormone
VII. Summary and Conclusions
References
Role of Thymosin and Other Thymic Factors in the Development, Maturation, and Functions of Lymphoid Tissue
I. Introduction
II. Embryonic Development and Differentiation of the Thymus Gland
III. Role of the Thymus in the Development, Maturation, and Function of the Lymphoid System
IV. Thymic Malfunction: Clinical Disorders
V. Mechanism of Action of the Thymus
VI. Concluding Comments
References
Calcitonin
I. Introduction
II. The Chemistry of Calcitonins
III. Control of Secretion of Calcitonin
IV. Therapeutic Uses of Calcitonin
References
The Long-Acting Thyroid Stimulator
I. Introduction
II. Clinical Importance of LATS
III. Chemical Nature of LATS
IV. Effects of LATS and Its Active Fragments in Relation to Actions of TSH
V. Absorption of LATS by Thyroid Extracts
References
Endocrinological Implications of Prostaglandins
I. Introduction
II. Tropic Hormone Effects
III. Neuroendocrinological Considerations
IV. Posterior Pituitary
V. Exocrine Hormone Interaction
VI. Actions on Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism
VII. Conclusions
References
Effects of Ovarian Hormones at the Subcellular Level
I. Introduction
II. Estrogens
III. Progestins
IV. Hormone-Receptor Interaction Pattern and Its Biochemical Significance
References
Author Index
Subject Index