The Third Advanced Seminar in Neurosurgical Research was held in the Palazzo Pisani Moretta, Venice, Italy from 30th April to 1st May, 1987 and was devoted to "Neuroendocrinological Aspects of Neurosurgery". The general aim of these advanced seminars is to bring together European Neurosurgeons interested or involved in research work, either clinically, experimentally or both, in a given field in order to achieve in-depth informal discussions not possible in the more conventional large congress. In particular, these advanced seminars seek to provide high level teaching by experienced basic scientists, to provide "state of the art" assessment of the subject and to highlight areas of controversy that may be suitable for future research. A special effort is made to identify younger neurosurgeons through the auspices of the European Directory of Neurosurgical Research, who have a particular interest in the subject under discussion, not all of whom will have immediate access to the most advanced, modern technology. The topic of Neuroendocrinology was chosen because clinically it is an area of controversy that should be amenable to application of new techniques, including molecular biology. There is a tendency on the part of Endocrinologists not to appreciate always that disturbances seen by Neurosurgeons may be different and need special attention. Inevitably there has been a little delay in publication of the manuscripts but these have been updated appropriately.

Inhalt
Neuroendocrine Anatomy of the Hypothalamus.- Neurohormonal Communication in the Brain.- Central Control of Circadian and Ultradian Neuroendocrine Rhythms.- The Vascular Supply of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary Axis.- A Clinical Update on Hypothalamic-Pituitary Control.- Clinical Syndromes of the Hypothalamus.- Pituitary Tumours: Problems and Questions.- Intrasellar Pressure.- The Medical Treatment of Prolactin and Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Tumours.- Vasopressin and Oxytocin Localization and Putative Functions in the Brain.- Central Nervous System Control of Fluid Balance: Physiology and Pathology.- Fluid Balance Disturbances in Neurosurgical Patients: Physiological Basis and Definitions.- The Stress Response in Subarachnoid Haemorrhage and Head Injury.- Hyponatraemia and Volume Status in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage.- Blood Volume Measurement Following Subarachnoid Haemorrhage.- Central Neuroendocrine Control of the Brain Water, Electrolyte, and Volume Homeostasis.- The Hypothalamus: New Ideas on an Old Structure.- Listed in Current Contents.