Clinical Neuroendocrinology An Introduction 1st Edition PDF download

The human body is primarily governed by two intricate communicating networks: the nervous system and the endocrine system. The study of the interrelationship of these two networks created the discipline of neuroendocrinology. Recent advances in this field have transformed our view of how human endocrine homeostasis is maintained. For example, the discovery of the adipokine leptin revolutionized our understanding of the neural mechanisms by which we regulate body weight. A further case is the discovery of the KISS1 gene, and its encoded neuropeptide kisspeptin, now recognized as obligatory for successful human reproductive function. Although several texts are currently available that cover the field of clinical neuroendocrinology, they are almost exclusively advanced, multi-author books written by experts and largely aimed at medical specialists. While these texts provide a comprehensive clinical and basic science review of the subject, there is a compelling need for an introductory description of the human neuroendocrine system in health and disease. Our book is therefore designed to emphasize the key physiological principles necessary for an understanding of various clinical neuroendocrine disorders. Introductory chapters discuss the fundamentals that govern how the hypothalamic–pituitary system interacts with various endocrine target tissues. Topics include cellular communication, hormone receptor systems, hormone assays and a description of the importance of hormonal secretory rhythms. Subsequent chapters outline the essentials of human female reproduction, the regulation of body weight and metabolism with a focus on obesity, the control of prolactin secretion and the principles of adrenal, thyroid and growth hormone physiology. Finally, in a separate chapter on sellar masses, key elements of clinical history, biochemical and radiological assessment as well as epidemiology of sellar masses are discussed. The clinical implications of various physiological principles as well as cases from our clinics are included in the text. The text itself is liberally illustrated with full-color, high-resolution images to provide concise summaries of information. Extensive lists of references emphasize original papers based on human data.