Autoimmune Aspects Of Endocrine Disorders

Autoimmunity is the most common cause of endocrine disorders. This volume provides an up-to-date summary of recent advances in this important field. In addition, it describes developments in our understanding of conditions such as vitiligo and pernicious anaemia which are frequently associated with autoimmune endocrinopathies. There is a detailed review of animal models of endocrine disease which have contributed greatly to current knowledge. Furthermore, the aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment of the clinical disorders are discussed in depth. The book will be of interest to anyone working in the areas of endocrinology and immunology.

This is a comprehensive and novel text that examines key features that predispose individuals to autoimmune diseases. The first section details the basic mechanism of autoimmunity and examines immunogenetic and environmental factors in autoimmunity. The next section examines autoimmune thyroid disease. The third section takes a look at Type 1 diabetes mellitus. In the final section, authors explain other autoimmune endocrinopathies.

Dr. Robert Volpé and his distinguished contributors comprehensively review the latest thinking about the theoretical, experimental, and clinical aspects of autoimmune endocrine disorders. These world-renowned experts examine the pathogenesis and immunogenetics of these diseases, discuss the role of sex hormones in autoimmunity, and elucidate the nature of autoantigens. They also provide clinical detail on a wide variety of autoimmune endocrinopathies, including autoimmune thyroid disease, Graves' ophthalmopathy and dermopathy, human insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune adrenocortical failure. Postpartum autoimmune endocrine syndromes, autoimmune hypophysitis, and the polyglandular autoimmune syndromes are also discussed in detail. Comprehensive and authoritative, Autoimmune Endocrinopathies provides today's most up-to-date understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrine diseases.

Immunoendocrinology is a rapidly developing field of research that seeks to understand the intersection of the immune and endocrine systems. Immunoendocrinology: Scientific and Clinical Aspects explores in detail the current knowledge of immunoendocrinology, namely endocrine disorders produced by disorders of immune function. Chapters cover both basic pathophysiology informed by studies of animal models as well as current understanding of multiple related clinical diseases—their pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy. Immunoendocrinology: Scientific and Clinical Aspects captures the central role of immunoendocrinologic processes in the pathogenesis of not only type 1 diabetes but in a range of other autoimmune and endocrine disorders.

This book is a comprehensive, easy-to-read discussion of the organ-specific autoimmune endocrine diseases emphasizing new contributions and trends for research and management. It begins with a brief chapter introducing the general principles of immunology, followed by discussions covering topics such as immunogenetics and animal models and how they can be applied toward interpreting human autoimmune endocrine diseases, autoimmune thyroid diseases, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus hypophysitis, and Addison's disease. The book also discusses future trends toward gaining an understanding of these disorders and possible therapeutic principles. It is well-illustrated and will prove to be a useful reference source for internists, endocrinologists, and postgraduate students interested in human autoimmune endocrine diseases.