Tracer Methods In Hormone Research

The purpose of this monograph is to describe theoretical aspects of the interpretation of data obtained from experiments performed with labeled hormones. Quantitative endocrinologic studies involving the use of tracers include the determination of rates at which hormones are secreted by endocrine glands and are produced outside these glands by conversion of other secreted hor mones. Tracer experiments are also performed with the purpose of measuring rates of metabolic reactions. These measurements reveal the contribution of secreted hormones to the formation of circulating compounds and urinary metabolites. The estimation of rates of fetal and placental production and exchange of hormones characterizes a class of in vivo quantitative studies performed with isotopically labeled hormones (radioactive or not). In addi tion, tracers are used to measure permeability and rates of reaction in in vitro systems, and to study the uptake of hormones by tissues, both in vivo and in vitro. The stability of the steroid nucleus carrying the isotopic label and the large number of reversible metabolic reactions in which steroids are involved, both facilitated and motivated the development of a sophisticated theoretical treat ment of tracer experiments in the field of endocrinology. Although the prac tical examples used to illustrate the concepts and calculations presented in this monograph involve labeled hormones, the theory is presented in a general symbolic manner and is applicable to other fields of investigation.

1. Introduction. 2. Fundamentals of Tracer Kinetics. 3. The Noncompartmental Model of Multipool Systems. 4. The Compartmental Model. 5. Identifiability of the Tracer Model. 6. Using the Tracer Model to Estimate Kinetic Parameters. 7. Compartmental Versus Noncompartmental Kinetic Parameters. 8. Parameter Estimation: Some Fundamentals of Regression Analysis. 9. Parameter Estimation in Noncompartmental Models. 10. Parameter Estimation in Compartmental Models. 11. Precursor-Product Models. Appendices. Index.

Now in its second edition, the Oxford Textbook of Endocrinology and Diabetes is a fully comprehensive, evidence-based, and highly-valued reference work combining basic science with clinical guidance, and providing first rate advice on diagnosis and treatment.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

This book represents a factual account of the proceedings of an international symposium on the pathophysiology of plasma protein metabolism, which was organised in October 1982 by the Plasmaprotein and Immunology Division of the C.N.R. Institute of Clinical Physiology at the University of Pisa (Italy). Several of the contributors are former members of the International Study Group on Plasma Protein Metabolism, the last meeting of which was held in Turin (Italy) in 1974, under the auspices of the scientific organisation of the same institute. The symposium took the form of a series of lectures, with the main objective of providing a positive contribution to the state of the art of several topics related to the kinetic and pathophysiological factors regulating the synthesis, distribution and degradation of plasma proteins. The first four chapters form a group, each one considering a special aspect of the kinetics of turnover and distribution of plasma proteins in general; particular attention is paid to the recent advances in the field of kinetic modelling, the choice of the best models and the optimisation of the experimental designs. The next seven chapters consider the regulation of synthesis, distribution and catab olism of various classes of plasma proteins including albumin, immunoglobulins, complement fractions and acute-phase proteins. The remaining chapters deal with metabolic studies of various plasma proteins (including tumour markers, coagUlation proteins and lipoproteins) in different disease states, such as malig nancies, coagulative disorders, malnutrition and the extensive group of athero sclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Diet and Health examines the many complex issues concerning diet and its role in increasing or decreasing the risk of chronic disease. It proposes dietary recommendations for reducing the risk of the major diseases and causes of death today: atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (including heart attack and stroke), cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and dental caries.