Behavioral Aspects Of Neuroendocrinology

Latest issue in the CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY se- ries which has been gaining a great deal of reputation as a primary source for reviews in neuroendocrinology and related areas in the past few years.

Inspired by Carlos Beyer’s 50 years of pioneering research and influence on his students and colleagues, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology builds upon Beyer’s fundamental discoveries and concepts as well as their widespread implications. It presents original research and reviews on mechanisms — genomic and non-genomic — of steroid and protein hormone action; the role of steroid metabolism, especially aromatization, protein phosphorylation, and neurotransmitter action in mediating reproductive behavior and sexual differentiation; and brain and spinal cord mechanisms in sexual behavior and analgesia. This book presents a rich diversity of topics — lactation, maternal behavior, pheromone action, chronobiology, allodynia, angiogenesis, prostate physiology, sexual motivation, and specific brain systems, including vomeronasal system, cerebellum, preoptic area, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. This book brings together, in one source, an international "family" of researchers whose work has evolved in diverse but related ways from a seminal set of discoveries and concepts in behavioral neuroendocrinology.

This special volume provides twelve contributions that discuss different aspects of social and endocrine behaviors with an emphasis on the neural regulation of these behaviors. In addition, several review chapters address the neural plasticity that results from exposure to hormones or the experiences with the behavior. Finally, each of the contributions emphasizes future directions and incorporation of newly developed neuroscience techniques and approaches.

In this text Jay Schulkin discusses and emphasizes the important roles of steroids and neuropeptides in the regulation of behavior. The guiding principle behind much of the research and insights that are presented in the book is the concept of using certain model animal systems to study how hormones influence the brain. The results from these model systems can then be used to generalize the information obtained and apply it to other animals and humans. Senior undergraduate and graduate students in neuroscience, endocrinology, psychology, and physiology will find this text a useful guide to the role of hormones in behavior. It should be of use to colleagues in the field and medical health-care professionals.

Understanding of the neuroendocrine system provides an insight into a wide range of bodily and mental processes. Neuroendocrinology and Behavior brings its readers a concise guide to up-to-date knowledge on the function of the endocrine glands and organs in association with neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and behavioral manifestations. Various forms of stress response, e.g. anxiety and cognitive changes, have been intrinsic to both ourselves and other species. Specifically, these mechanisms involve complex interplays among physical, emotional, and behavioral processes in humans. This volume provides information on peptide hormones, i.e. oxytocin and vasopressin, and how studies of these neuropeptides enrich our understanding of social and other behaviors. These neuromodulators also affect sexual behavior and water balance in the body, an issue also addressed in this Book.

A panel of leading experts integrate the latest findings from basic and clinical science to create a comprehensive treatment of the processes by which the brain acts as an endocrine organ, not only to control hormonal functions, but also to maintain homeostasis and regulate behavior. The authors-recognized both as leaders in their fields and as skilled teachers-provide systematic coverage of the analytical, anatomical, functional, clinical, and pathological aspects of neuroendocrinology. Topics range from the interactions between the nervous and endocrine systems to the regulation of reproduction, development, metabolism, fluid balance, and biological rhythms. Neuroendocrinology in Physiology and Medicine offers an unprecedented marriage of clinical and basic knowledge that has been missing from classical neuroscience, endocrinology, and physiology texts. It will teach today's medical students and serve researchers as a valuable reference to this rapidly growing field.