Hormones

Endocrinology is a field in which enormous advances have been made in the last decade; the rate of discovery of new hormones, hormone-like molecules, receptors, and mechanisms of action is continually advancing. The development of techniques in immunology and molecular biology has led to the possibility of describing in detail the gene structure of many of the compounds involved in hormonal systems. Remarkable homology has been shown between oncogene products and various components of the endocrine network, leading to the asser­ tion that deregulation of hormonal function is involved in the generation and/or development of cancer. We now know that the central nervous system is both a target and a production site of many hormonal products, and that hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors and immunopeptides all act through similar mechanisms. The only second messenger known ten years ago was cAMP; today calcium, derivatives of membrane phospholipids, and protein kinases are also known to be mediators of hormone action. The very concept of hormonal systems has been expanded to include not only endocrine secretions but also para- and autohormones and their mechanisms of action; an understanding of their functions will be central to the immediate future of medicine. The discovery of hormonal molecules and endocrine interactions and the subsequent understanding of hormone­ related pathophysiology has led to the development of new strategies in medical treatment such as fertility control and the management of diabetes.

This is a tremendous book, both in size and content.....The authors are to be congratulated on producing this long awaited authoritative text - TIBS; The book provides a current and much needed review of the rapidly changing field of endocrinology, advances in which have been spurred by advances in cellular and molecular biology - Besprechungs-Belege; Provides a wealth of useful information on the endocrine system in an affordable and reasonably portable form - Bioscience; Overall, I believe that this book should be welcomed as comprehensive and up to date textbook of endocrinology - FEBS Letters; the standard is fairly uniform and good, and the information mostly up-to-date. Particularly pleasing is the provision of relevant references on or near the page they service, and the plentiful supply of well-drawn diagrams and photomicrographs. It will serve a similarly useful purpose for basic scientists who need a handy reference book. The book is definately worth the money - Endocrine Journal