production of this volume of the Handbook. If this joint enterprise has succeeded it is thanks to their competence, knowledge and application, for the editor's role is merely that of a coordinator. My thanks are also due to Springer-Verlag, the publishers, who gave me every possible assistance in seeing this volume to completion. Dr. D. Maroske was kind enough to prepare the Subject Index. And lastly I should like to voice my indebtedness to the Management of Sandoz Ltd., Basle, which allowed me to devote a not inconsiderable part of my time to the editing of this volume. I am also very grateful to a number of members of the staff of Sandoz Ltd.: to Mr. J.E. Smith, B. Sc., F.1. L., who translated some chapters and revised the language of others and to Miss Hannelore Straube and Miss Sonja Ebner for their valuable secreterial help.

Inhalt

Neurohypophysis. Structure and Function..- Chemistry of the Neurohypophysial Hormones..- The Influence of Enzymes on Neurohypophysial Hormones and Similar Peptides..- Bioassay Procedures for Neurohypophysial Hormones and Similar Polypeptides..- The Assay of Neurohypophysial Hormones in Blood and other Body Fluids..- Production, Release, Transportation and Elimination of the Neurohypophysial Hormones..- The Influence of the Neurohypophysial Hormones and Similar Polypeptides on the Kidneys..- The Effect of Neurohypophysial Hormones and Similar Polypeptides on the Uterus and other Extravascular Smooth Muscle Tissue..- The Milk-Ejection Reflex and the Actions of Oxytocin, Vasopressin and Synthetic Analogues on the Mammary Gland..- The Circulatory Actions of the Neurohypophysial Hormones and Similar Polypeptides..- Metabolic Effects of the Neurohypophyseal Hormones and Belated Polypeptides..- The Influence of Neurohypophysial Polypeptides on Adenohypophysial Function..- Actions and Functions of the Neurohypophysial Hormones and Related Peptides in Lower Vertebrates..- Phylogenetic Aspects of the Neurohypophysial Hormones..- Antagonists of the Neurohypophysial Hormones..- Basic Pharmacological Properties of Synthetic Analogues and Homologues of the Neuro-hypophysial Hormones..- Author Index.