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Neurotransmitters and Anterior Pituitary Function discusses research findings on neurotransmitter-neurohormone interactions in the control of the anterior pituitary. This book contains five chapters that specifically tackle the most salient constituents of the neural-endocrine communication system in mammals. This book deals first with the biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology of proved or putative neurotransmitters, as well as some of the techniques used for determining their synthesis or turnover in the central nervous system (CNS) of experimental animals or in man. These topics are followed by a discussion on the principal functions of the most well-known neurotransmitter containing neurons based on sophisticated techniques for neurotransmitter measurements. A chapter highlights both traditional and a vast series of developed drugs that affect both neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine function. Discussions then shift to the experimental evidence on pituitary function control by the brain through releasing and inhibiting hormones secreted by hypothalamic neuroendocrine cells; the chemical isolation, identification, and synthesis of hypothalamic neurohormones; and concepts of their mechanism of action at the level of the pituitary cells. This text further explores the role of specific brain neurotransmitters in controlling pituitary hormone secretions in both experimental animals and in man and the possible CNS site(s) where neurotransmitters and neurohormones interact for the control of anterior pituitary secretion. The concluding chapter describes the actual or potential application of neuropharmacologic approaches to the diagnosis of and therapy for specific disorders of neuroendocrine function. Clinical neuroendocrinologists and researchers and students in neuroendocrinology, neurobiology, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, and psychiatry will find this book invaluable.

Lactation: A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume IV, The Mammary Gland/Human Lactation/Milk Synthesis, forms the fourth in a series. When the first three volumes were published in 1974, publication of future volumes was not contemplated. However, the gratifying acceptance by the scientific community and the continuation of rapid advances in lactation, have provided the impetus for the continuation of the series. The present volume is concerned with general aspects of the mammary gland, human lactation, and mechanisms of milk synthesis. The volume is divided into three main parts. Part I covers some aspects of the mammary gland and lactation not discussed in the first three volumes and expands on others. Topics discussed include the development of the mammary apparatus and neuroendocrine control of lactation. Part II is devoted to more specific consideration of human lactation as a whole. It includes studies on breast feeding and the breast cancer process. Part III on milk synthesis deals with the mechanisms of milk synthesis; enzymology and control of lactose biosynthesis; molecular aspects of milk protein biosynthesis; and ion and water transport in the mammary gland.