Wiley-INF Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology

This cutting-edge, interdisciplinary volume describes established and state of the art approaches for exploring the pathways that influence and control appetite, including: behavioural, electrophysiological, neuroanatomical, gene knockout and pharmacological techniques. The book presents key peptide and neurotransmitter systems, together with newly emerging concepts of metabolic signalling and hypothalamic inflammation. The impact of early life experience on neuroendocrine appetite circuits is also looked at, including early programming of these circuits by circulating hormones. Finally, new emerging therapeutic approaches to appetite suppression are discussed, including those linked to bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Neuroendocrinology of Appetite is especially focused on established and emerging technologies and approaches for investigating appetite control. It is written so as to provide an overview of sufficient depth for an undergraduate or new scientist in the field to come up to speed in the complementary approaches used by researchers in this field. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the book aims to appeal to all those with a basic, clinical or therapeutic interest in research into obesity and eating disorders.

“Neurophysiology of Neuroendocrine Neurons” provides researchers and students with not only an understanding of neuroendocrine cell electrophysiology, but also an appreciation of how this model system affords access to virtually all parts of the neuron for detailed study-something unique compared to most types of neuron in the brain. Chapters range from those describing the rich history and current state of in vivo recordings, highlighting the precise relationship between the patterns of action potential discharge in these neurons and hormone release, to in vitro approaches where neuroendocrine neurons can be precisely identified and their membrane properties, morphology, and synaptic responses, directly examined.

Neuroendocrinology with its well-defined functions, inputs, and outputs, is one of the most fertile grounds for computational modeling in neuroscience. But modeling is often seen as something of a dark art. This book aims to display the power of modeling approaches in neuroendocrinology, and to showcase its potential for understanding these complex systems. A recurring theme in neuroendocrinology is rhythms. How are rhythms generated, and what purpose do they serve? Are these two questions inextricably intertwined? This book is written for innocents, presuming no math beyond high school or computing beyond calculators. It seeks to lead the curious into the thinking of the modeler, providing the tools to the reader to understand models, and even develop their own, giving life to paper diagrams. The diverse chapters, from ion channels to networks, systems, and hormonal rhythms, each tell the story of a model serving to join the hard-won dots of experimentation, mapping a new understanding, and revealing hidden knowledge.

Exposure to chronic stress has cumulative adverse effects on physical and mental health, considered to be the consequence of chronic exposure to high levels of stress hormones. Consequently, there is extensive research in progress to investigate and better understand how the brain organises neuroendocrine stress responses and how interventions may be able to moderate these responses to improve mental and physical health. “Neuroendocrinology of Stress” highlights current knowledge of the organisation and physiology of these stress response systems, how the impact of dysregulation of these systems is being investigated, and considers the ways in which contributions to both psychiatric and physical diseases resulting from chronic stress effects can be critically addressed in basic research • Written by a team of internationally renowned researchers, each chapter presents a succinct summary of the very latest developments in the field • Both print and enhanced e-book versions are available • Illustrated in full colour throughout This is the second volume in a new Series "Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology", a co-publication between Wiley and the INF (International Neuroendocrine Federation) that aims to illustrate highest standards and encourage the use of the latest technologies in basic and clinical research and hopes to provide inspiration for further exploration into the exciting field of neuroendocrinology.

“Molecular Neuroendocrinology: From Genome to Physiology”, provides researchers and students with a critical examination of the steps being taken to decipher genome complexity in the context of the expression, regulation and physiological functions of genes in neuroendocrine systems. The 19 chapters are divided into four sectors: A) describes and explores the genome, its evolution, expression and the mechanisms that contribute to protein, and hence biological, diversity. B) discusses the mechanisms that enhance peptide and protein diversity beyond what is encoded in the genome through post-translational modification. C) considers the molecular tools that today's neuroendocrinologists can use to study the regulation and function of neuroendocrine genes within the context of the intact organism. D) presents a range of case studies that exemplify the state-of-the-art application of genomic technologies in physiological and behavioural experiments that seek to better understand complex biological processes.

“Model Animals in Neuroendocrinology: From Worm to Mouse to Man” offers a masterclass on the opportunities that different model animals offer to the basic understanding of neuroendocrine functions and mechanisms of action and the implications of this understanding. The authors review recent advances in the field emanating from studies involving a variety of animal models, molecular genetics, imaging technologies, and behavior assays. These studies helped unravel mechanisms underlying the development and function of neuroendocrine systems. The book highlights how studies in a variety of model animals, including, invertebrates, fish, birds, rodents and mammals has contributed to our understanding of neuroendocrinology. “Model Animals in Neuroendocrinology” provides students, scientists and practitioners with a contemporary account of what can be learnt about the functions of neuroendocrine systems from studies across animal taxonomy.

“The GnRH Neuron and its Control” examines the developmental biology of GnRH neurons including their birth in the nasal placode of the early embryo, perinatal programming, and sexual differentiation, in addition to the hypothalamic mechanisms that control GnRH neurons in adulthood to generate pulsatile and surge modes of GnRH secretion throughout the major life stages including aging. The morphology, electrophysiology, signal transduction pathways, transcriptional regulators, and genomics underlying function of the adult GnRH neuron is discussed in detail, as is the neuroendocrinology and cell biology governing the generation of both modes of GnRH release. The book also reviews the neurobiological mechanisms and circuitry responsible for the modulation of the activity of GnRH neurons by season, stress, nutrition, and metabolism, and covers the current and potential therapeutic approaches to regulating GnRH secretion and action. Filled with newly identified research and classical fundamental knowledge to GnRH biology, it will provide students, researchers, and practitioners with an in-depth understanding of reproductive neuroendocrinology. This is the fifth volume in the “Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology” Series, a co-publication between Wiley and the INF (International Neuroendocrine Federation) that aims to illustrate highest standards and encourage the use of the latest technologies in basic and clinical research and hopes to provide inspiration for further exploration into the exciting field of neuroendocrinology.