The Somatotrophic Axis In Brain Function

The somatotropic axis is one of the major hormonal systems regulating postnatal growth in mammals. It interacts with the central nervous system on several levels. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors are expressed in many brain areas including the hippocampus, pituitary and hypothalamus. GH and IGF-I are important factors in the development and differentiation of the CNS and have protective properties in dementia, as well as in traumatic and ischaemic injury of the CNS. Also GH has an important impact on mood and well-being with GH secretory capacity being reduced in depression. This volume will include chapters (1) on basic knowledge on GH/IGF-1, (2) on localization of GH/IGF-1 and their receptors in the CNS, including blood brain barrier transport of both hormones, (3) on actions of the two hormones on CNS function (basic science), (4) on clinical aspects of GH/IGF-1 in relation to various CNS functions and disorders, and finally (5) on some future perspectives in this area of science. Contents are well balanced and cover a variety of relevant topics from basic to clinical research International selection of authors, with a good representation of the research on growth hormones A timely publication which will be useful to scientists in both basic and clinical research

Published since 1959, International Review of Neurobiology is a well-known series appealing to neuroscientists, clinicians, psychologists, physiologists, and pharmacologists. Led by an internationally renowned editorial board, this important serial publishes both eclectic volumes made up of timely reviews and thematic volumes that focus on recent progress in a specific area of neurobiology research. With recent advancements in new knowledge, it has become evident that psychostimulants and related drugs of abuse are influencing our central nervous system (CNS) remarkably and could alter their function for a longtime. This volume is the first to focus on substance abuse induced brain pathology in the widest sense as it covers alterations in neuronal, glial and endothelial cell functions under the influence of acute or chronic usage of substance abuse.

The fourth edition of this text constitutes a continuation of 20 years of coverage of traumatic brain injury, and broadens the discussion of acquired brain injury. Within TBI, the paradigm shift from an injury occurring at a point in time to a disease entity of a chronic nature is changing the discussion of diagnosis, management, treatment and outcome assessment. Disease specification that differentiates TBIs by the mechanism of injury, the exact nature of the injury, the extent of injury, presence of co-morbidities and their exact nature, gender, age, race, and genome are emerging as crucial. Disease differentiation has impacted diagnosis, treatment and outcome.

This revised new edition reviews the substantial advances in our understanding of the vital role of growth hormone (GH) in maintaining adult health, and the resulting disorders from GH deficiency. The first edition, published in 1996, provided a pioneering overview of the subject; this new edition provides an even more comprehensive account, fully updated with the latest research, clinical applications, and references. The therapeutic benefits of GH treatment in GH deficiency are thoroughly evaluated, including effects on metabolism, cardiac function, exercise performance, psychosocial aspects, and aging and gender-specific effects. This compilation by the world's leading experts covers clinical investigation, diagnosis and treatment issues, and encompasses new knowledge of the control and action of GH secretion. This volume is the most authoritative, comprehensive, and detailed account available and will be an essential source of reference for all endocrinologists.

For 20 years, KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Database) has provided an outstanding tool for monitoring the use, efficacy and safety of growth hormone (GH) treatment in children with short stature of varying origin. This volume offers a comprehensive update of the continuing experiences in KIGS and is based on data from more than 50 countries and more than 60,000 patients. International experts analyse in detail the basic auxological characteristics of patients and their response to GH treatment for a broad spectrum of growth disorders. These include idiopathic GH deficiency, organic GH deficiency due to a variety of causes such as congenital malformations and syndromes, genetic disorders or treatment for leukaemia or central nervous system tumours and short stature in children born small for gestational age, specific syndromes and systemic disorders. Each growth disorder is also covered by a review of relevant published data by international experts. KIGS has also established itself as a primary source of information about adverse events during long-term GH treatment in children. The recent analysis of KIGS data has revealed no new adverse drug reactions since the 10-year follow-up. Therefore, treatment with GH seems a low-risk intervention in children and adolescents with various growth disorders. The process of developing disease-specific growth response prediction models has been ongoing in KIGS for many years. The available models are accurate, precise and have a relatively high degree of predictive power, although further predictors of the growth response remain to be identified. The KIGS prediction models can be applied prospectively to new patients, enabling their GH therapy to be better tailored and monitored to achieve optimal growth, safety and cost outcomes. The future of KIGS within the era of evidence-based medicine will continue to depend upon the quality of the data reported. Therefore, the commitment of participating physicians will continue to be a decisive element. The ongoing recognition of the importance of valid safety and efficacy information in the practice of paediatric endocrinology is exemplified by this valuable international collaboration of clinicians and the pharmaceutical community.

It has been known for over 40 years that GH-deficient-children benefit from replacement with the hormone. But GH, essential for longitudinal growth, also plays a role after completion of final height. With the introduction of biosynthetic human GH 20 years ago, the use of GH was no longer restricted to severe growth retardation in hypopituitary children. This book will take the reader behind the myths of GH and into the real world of clinical endocrinology. The contributions stem from recognized clinicians and scientists who have been working in the field for decades. The contents encompass traditional end points of GH therapy such as body composition, bone biology and physical performance. Attention is also devoted to diagnostic aspects and side effects. Additional features range from clinical epidemiology to quality of life, and novel areas such as the impact of traumatic brain injury on pituitary function are also covered. The present volume of Frontiers of Hormone Research is essential reading for health care professionals interested in clinical endocrinology and GH.

Gigantism and Acromegaly brings together pituitary experts, taking readers from bench research, to genetic analysis, clinical analysis, and new therapeutic approaches. This book serves as a reference for growth hormone over-secretion and its diagnosis and treatment for endocrinologists, pediatricians, internists, and neurosurgeons, and for geneticists. Pharmaceutical companies may use it as a reference for drug development and research. Students, residents and fellows in medicine and endocrinology and genetics will also find it valuable as it provides a single up-to-date review of the molecular biology of gigantism and acromegaly as well as recommended approaches to evaluation and management. Acromegaly is a rare pituitary disorder that slowly changes its adult victim’s appearance over time: larger hands and feet, bigger jaw, forehead, nose, and lips. Generally, a benign pituitary tumor is the cause and symptoms of acromegaly can vary from patient to patient, making a diagnosis difficult and prolonging suffering for years. Early detection is key in the management of acromegaly as the pathologic effects of increased growth hormone (GH) production are progressive and can be life-threatening as the result of associated cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory disorders and malignancies. Accessible, up-to-date overview of the characteristics, state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, and management of acromegaly and gigantism Provides a unique compendium of endocrinology, genetics, clinical diagnosis and therapeutics Contains contributions from internationally known experts who have treated patients with acromegaly and gigantism

Obesity is a serious health issue and is a key discussion and research point in several disciplines from the social sciences to the health sciences and even in physical education. This text is a much-needed authoritative reference source covering major issues of, and relating to, obesity.