Stem Cells In Neuroendocrinology

This volume starts with an elementary introduction covering stem cell methodologies used to produce specific types of neurons, possibilities for their therapeutic use, and warnings of technical problems. In addition the authors report successes in achieving the derivation of a specific type of neuron. The dopamine neuron offers an important example and is discussed in more detail. Additional chapters cover problems obviously approachable with cells derived from stem cells, including their need in surgeries for pituitary cancers. The last chapter provides an overview of this particular field of research and presents a vision for its future directions.

This volume starts with an elementary introduction covering stem cell methodologies used to produce specific types of neurons, possibilities for their therapeutic use, and warnings of technical problems. In addition the authors report successes in achieving the derivation of a specific type of neuron. The dopamine neuron offers an important example and is discussed in more detail. Additional chapters cover problems obviously approachable with cells derived from stem cells, including their need in surgeries for pituitary cancers. The last chapter provides an overview of this particular field of research and presents a vision for its future directions. This work was published by Saint Philip Street Press pursuant to a Creative Commons license permitting commercial use. All rights not granted by the work's license are retained by the author or authors.

A critical review by prominent experts of both the cutting-edge of stem cell biology and the application of stem cells to endocrine diseases, including diabetes, infertility, and liver-associated metabolic disorders. The authors discuss current research to modify stem cells, develop an endocrine-like cell, and use adult bone marrow stem cells to treat autoimmune diseases, including endocrine-based autoimmune diseases. Topics of interest include a review of all stem cell subtypes and their characteristics, approaches to promoting endocrine development from stem cells, and evidence for endocrine cell function from stem cells. The authors also outline how best to develop preclinical studies that will determine the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapies for endocrine disorders.

cells, and the testicular localization of the intermediate filament protein nestin, known to be expressed in neural stem cells, by our group was the first step to define mural cells (pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells) of the testis microvascu- ture as the stem/progenitor cells of the adult Leydig cells. In summary, we were able to demonstrate specific proliferation of vascular progenitors and their subsequent transdifferentiation into steroidogenic Leydig cells, which – in addition – rapidly acquire neuronal and glial properties. Since both newly developed fetal and adult Leydig cell populations show the same features, a common origin of both popu- tions seems likely. Pericytes are distributed throughout the body, and there is convincing evidence for their stem/progenitor cell properties in diverse organs. Under appropriate (locally defined) conditions these pericytes, which reside in the vascular stem cell niche as dormant stem cells, become activated, proliferate, migrate and differentiate towards different somatic cell types of the body. Since most mesenchymal stem/ progenitor cell types exhibit essential similarity to pericytes and certain mesenchymal stem cells represent pericyte descendants, we propose that mesenchymal stem cells in the perivascular niche are daughter cells of pericytes. Thus, pericytes are promising candidates for ancestor cells of all adult stem cells in the organism. There is strong evidence that early stem cells (cells arising during embryogenesis), such as the pericytes, exhibit both mesodermal and neural progeny, which might explain the neuroendocrine properties of the Leydig cells.

Vitamins and Hormones serial highlights new advances in the field with this new volume presenting interesting chapters. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors. Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors Presents the latest release in the Vitamins and Hormones series Includes the latest information on Hormones and Synapse

In this book, experts in the field provide comprehensive descriptions of the neuroanatomy of the hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems. The book begins with an extensive discussion on the structural components of the neuroendocrine systems. The reader will be introduced to the anatomy and biology of the hypothalamus and the pituitary. The human hypothalamus is presented in particular detail using state-of-the-art imaging techniques. In the next section, the neuroanatomy of traditional hypothalamo-hypophyseal systems is highlighted, with chapters describing magnocellular neuroendocrine cells and discussing the respective types of hypothalamic neurons that regulate various pituitary hormones. Following this detailed structural and anatomical description of the neuroendocrine system, the book’s final section focuses on the hypothalamic control of neuroendocrine functions. This includes the control of circadian rhythm, metabolism and appetite via specific peptidergic circuits. This book provides essential information on the neuroanatomy and control of neuroendocrine systems, addresses cutting-edge research questions posed by recent advances in the development of potent neuroanatomical tools, and highlights the latest technologies used in neuroendocrinology research, making it a valuable reference guide for students, trainees and established researchers alike. This is the twelfth volume in the International Neuroendocrine Federation (INF) Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology series, which aims to illustrate the highest standards and to encourage the use of the latest technologies in basic and clinical research and hopes to provide inspiration for further exploration into the exciting field of neuroendocrinology. Chapter 12 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com

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.

Since the first successful isolation and cultivation of human embryonic stem cells at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1998, there has been high levels of both interest and controversy in this area of research. This book provides a concise overview of an exciting field, covering the characteristics of both human embryonic stem cells and pluripotent stem cells from other human cell lineages. The following chapters describe state-of-the-art differentiation and characterization of specific ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm-derived lineages from human embryonic stem cells, emphasizing how these can be used to study human developmental mechanisms. A further chapter discusses genetic manipulation of human ES cells. The concluding section covers therapeutic applications of human ES cells, as well as addressing the ethical and legal issues that this research have raised.