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.

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 ReferencesCalcitonin I. Introduction II. The Chemistry of Calcitonins III. Control of Secretion of Calcitonin IV. Therapeutic Uses of Calcitonin ReferencesThe 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 ReferencesEffects 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