Mechanisms of Hormone Action


Book Description

Mechanisms of Hormone Action: A NATO Advanced Study Institute focuses on the action mechanisms of hormones, including regulation of proteins, hormone actions, and biosynthesis. The selection first offers information on hormone action at the cell membrane and a new approach to the structure of polypeptides and proteins in biological systems, such as the membranes of cells. Discussions focus on the cell membrane as a possible locus for the hormone receptor; gaps in understanding of the molecular organization of the cell membrane; and a possible model of hormone action at the membrane level. The text also ponders on insulin and regulation of protein biosynthesis, including insulin and protein biosynthesis, insulin and nucleic acid metabolism, and proposal as to the mode of action of insulin in stimulating protein synthesis. The publication elaborates on the action of a neurohypophysial hormone in an elasmobranch fish; the effect of ecdysone on gene activity patterns in giant chromosomes; and action of ecdysone on RNA and protein metabolism in the blowfly, Calliphora erythrocephala. Topics include nature of the enzyme induction, ecdysone and RNA metabolism, and nature of the epidermis nuclear RNA fractions isolated by the Georgiev method. The selection is a valuable reference for readers interested in the mechanisms of hormone action.




Receptors and Hormone Action


Book Description

Receptors and Hormone Action, Volume 1, provides an overview of the state of knowledge in hormone action. This book describes basic methodologies and model systems used in the exploration of the molecular bases of hormone action. The chapters present not only a rather extensive description of hormone receptors and their properties, but also basic aspects of structure and function of chromatin and membranes, the sites at which hormones and their receptors exert their action. The receptors discussed include soluble cytoplasmic and nuclear receptors for steroid hormones and vitamins, membrane-bound receptors for protein hormones and biogenic amines, and nuclear receptors for thyroid hormones. Receptor types are also covered in view of the large body of literature accumulated on the various functions of these fascinating but elusive molecules. This book is intended for a broad spectrum of readers, including those who have not yet worked in the field as well as those who have considerable expertise in one or another aspect of hormone action.




An Introduction to Neuroendocrinology


Book Description

This book is designed as an introductory text in neuroendocrinology; the study of the interaction between the brain and endocrine system and the influence of this on behaviour. The endocrine glands, pituitary gland and hypothalamus and their interactions and hormones are discussed. The action of steroid and thyroid hormone receptors and the regulation of target cell response to hormones is examined. The function of neuropeptides is discussed with respect to the neuroendocrine system and behaviour. The neuroimmune system and lymphokines are described and the interaction between the neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems discussed. Finally, methods for studying hormonal influences on behaviour are outlined. Each chapter has review and essay questions designed for advanced students and honours or graduate students with a background in neuroscience, respectively.




Hormonally Active Agents in the Environment


Book Description

Some investigators have hypothesized that estrogens and other hormonally active agents found in the environment might be involved in breast cancer increases and sperm count declines in humans as well as deformities and reproductive problems seen in wildlife. This book looks in detail at the science behind the ominous prospect of "estrogen mimics" threatening health and well-being, from the level of ecosystems and populations to individual people and animals. The committee identifies research needs and offers specific recommendations to decision-makers. This authoritative volume: Critically evaluates the literature on hormonally active agents in the environment and identifies known and suspected toxicologic mechanisms and effects of fish, wildlife, and humans. Examines whether and how exposure to hormonally active agents occursâ€"in diet, in pharmaceuticals, from industrial releases into the environmentâ€"and why the debate centers on estrogens. Identifies significant uncertainties, limitations of knowledge, and weaknesses in the scientific literature. The book presents a wealth of information and investigates a wide range of examples across the spectrum of life that might be related to these agents.




Principles of Endocrinology and Hormone Action


Book Description

This volume provides comprehensive coverage of the current knowledge of the physiology of the endocrine system and hormone synthesis and release, transport, and action at the molecular and cellular levels. It presents essential as well as in-depth information of value to both medical students and specialists in Endocrinology, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Although it is well established that the endocrine system regulates essential functions involved in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis, it is increasingly being recognized that this complex regulatory system comprises not only hormones secreted by the classic endocrine glands but also hormones and regulatory factors produced by many organs, and involves extensive crosstalk with the neural and immune system. At the same time, our knowledge of the molecular basis of hormone action has greatly improved. Understanding this complexity of endocrine physiology is crucial to prevent endocrine disorders, to improve the sensitivity of our diagnostic tools, and to provide the rationale for pharmacological, immunological, or genetic interventions. It is such understanding that this book is designed to foster.




Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer Series: Breast Cancer - E-Book


Book Description

Each volume in the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer Series is packed with practical, authoritative information designed to cover the full range of diagnostic procedures, including pathologic, radiologic, bronchoscopic, and surgical aspects. You’ll be able to determine the safest, shortest, least invasive way to reach an accurate diagnosis; stage the disease; and choose the best initial treatment for early stages. Based on current evidence in the literature, authors provide clinical, hands-on tools to help you make informed decisions on precisely what tests and imaging studies are needed to diagnose and stage each type of cancer. Practical, authoritative, and highly-illustrated, this volume in the brand new Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer series covers current protocols and the latest advances in diagnostic imaging and molecular and serologic markers for breast cancer. Apply expert advice on the best “next-step plan for different presentations and tips for less invasive protocols. Get clinical, hands-on tools to help you make informed decisions on precisely what tests and imaging studies are needed for accurate diagnosis and staging. Clear figures, tables, and boxes illustrate step-by-step care of the full range of problems encountered. The small size and convenient format make this an ideal purchase for diagnostic reference. Outlines the steps after diagnosis to guide you through formulating a treatment or patient care plan. Emphasizes important points—such as the promising new breast cancer vaccine, sentinel node biopsy, and hormone receptor tests—with “key points boxes at the beginning of each chapter and pedagogic features throughout. Summarizes the process of accurately diagnosing and staging cancer in a logical, almost algorithmic, approach for easy reference. Discusses the treatment of early-stage disease so you have clear options for care. Complements the procedures outlined in the text with full-color photographs and line drawings to reinforce your understanding of the material.




Steroid Hormone Action


Book Description

This volume provides a detailed overview of the mechanisms by which steroid hormones regulate gene activity in target cells. It should be of interest to molecular biologists, endocrinologists, pharmacologists and clinicians interested in gene regulation hormones and steroid antagonists.




Hormone Resistance and Hypersensitivity


Book Description

Over recent years, impressive advances in genetic/epigenetic technology have greatly improved the understanding of the pathogenesis of pediatric endocrine diseases due to hormone resistance and hypersensitivity.This book presents reviews of thyroid hormone and thyroid hormone receptor resistance, and genetics and epigenetics of parathyroid hormone resistance. Abnormalities of the pituitary-gonadal axis affecting puberty as well as androgen receptor are covered. Novel insights into the diseases affecting ACTH, glucocorticoid and aldosterone receptors are discussed. Further chapters address new aspects of the physiology of the GH and IGF-1 axis as well as the diseases related to GH-IGF-1 receptor and post-receptor signaling defects. A key chapter on metabolic insights into insulin resistance is also included. Covering clinical and genetic aspects of hormone resistance and hypersensitivity, this book will be a useful tool in the hands of scientists, physicians and other healthcare professionals who wish to be up to date with novel research findings in this area.




Anatomy and Physiology


Book Description




Plant Hormones


Book Description

Plant hormones play a crucial role in controlling the way in which plants grow and develop. While metabolism provides the power and building blocks for plant life, it is the hormones that regulate the speed of growth of the individual parts and integrate them to produce the form that we recognize as a plant. This book is a description of these natural chemicals: how they are synthesized and metabolized, how they act at both the organismal and molecular levels, how we measure them, a description of some of the roles they play in regulating plant growth and development, and the prospects for the genetic engineering of hormone levels or responses in crop plants. This is an updated revision of the third edition of the highly acclaimed text. Thirty-three chapters, including two totally new chapters plus four chapter updates, written by a group of fifty-five international experts, provide the latest information on Plant Hormones, particularly with reference to such new topics as signal transduction, brassinosteroids, responses to disease, and expansins. The book is not a conference proceedings but a selected collection of carefully integrated and illustrated reviews describing our knowledge of plant hormones and the experimental work that is the foundation of this information. The Revised 3rd Edition adds important information that has emerged since the original publication of the 3rd edition. This includes information on the receptors for auxin, gibberellin, abscisic acid and jasmonates, in addition to new chapters on strigolactones, the branching hormones, and florigen, the flowering hormone.