Hormones -

. .

Résumé :
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.

Sommaire:
Hormones, a Complex Communications Network.- Commentary on Neuroendocrinology.- The Hypothalamus-Pituitary System: an Anatomical Overview.- Nerve Cells and their Chemical Messages.- From Morphine to Opioid Peptides.- Growth Hormone and Prolactin.- Growth Factors.- Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis.- ACTH and Related Peptides.- Hormones of the Immune System.- Glycoprotein Hormones: Gonadotropins and Thyrotropin.- Contraceptive Choices.- Vasopressin and Oxytocin.- Melatonin: A Neurohormonal Mystery.- The Adrenal Medulla.- The Adenylate Cyclase System.- Thyroid hormones.- Gene Structure and Control of Transcription.- Gene Transcription and Protein Synthesis.- Steroid Hormones.- Hormonal Control of the Masculinization of the Body.- Clinical Endocrinology of Reproduction.- Hormones and In Vitro Fertilization.- Radioimmunoassay of Peptide Hormones.- Pancreatic Hormones.- Lipoprotein Receptors.- Gastrointestinal Hormones.- Prostaglandins and Related Compounds.- The Renin-Angiotensin Aldosterone System and Atrial Natriuretic Factor.- Calmodulin.- Calcium Regulatory Hormones.- Chromosomal Localization of Genes of Hormones, Growth Factors, Receptors and Other Genes Related to the Endocrine System..