Neuroendocrine Regulation and Altered Behaviour, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1981

In recent years, it has become clearly recognized that many behavioural disturb­ ances and psychiatric illnesses are intimately associated with alterations in neuroendocrine function. This volume is designed to provide a thorough, up-to­ date review of our current knowledge of the neuroendocrine correlates of altered behaviour in man and experimental animals. Particular emphasis has been focused on the mechanisms which may underlie the coupling of mental functions with endocrine changes and the possible common links in the central regulation of both endocrine and psychic activities. One of the main objectives of this book is to consider both the experimental and clinical approaches in studying the interrelationship between neuroendocrine regulation and altered behaviour, and to assess its importance in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. The book has been organized into four major sections which focus on: (i) the role of pituitary hormones in the regulation of CNS function; (ii) the relationship between brain endorphin systems, psychotropic drugs and neuroendocrine regulation; (iii) the importance of neuroendocrine regulation in the pathogenesis of mental disorders; and (iv) biological markers of altered mental function. Each chapter is organized for ease of comprehension as well as for rapid retrieval of progress and essential information concerning the neuroendocrine basis of altered behaviour and psychiatric illnesses. The contributing authors were selected because of their widely recognized expertise in the field.

One: Hormones and Regulation of Central Nervous System Function.- 1. Neuropeptide Influences on the Central Nervous System: A Psychobiological Perspective.- 2. Behavioural Effects of Pituitary Hormones.- 3. Dopamine Agonist and Antagonist Drugs and Hypothalamic-Pituitary Dysfunction.- 4. Some Aspects of the Neuroendocrine Regulation of Mammalian Sexual Behaviour.- Two: Brain Endorphins, Psychotropic Drugs and Neuroendocrine Regulation.- 5. Opiates and Neuroendocrine Regulation.- 6. Behavioural Modulation by Systemic Administration of Enkephalins and Endorphins.- 7. Effect of Cannabinoids and Narcotics on Gonadal Functions.- 8. Effect of Neuroleptics on Pituitary Function in Man.- Three: Neuroendocrine Regulation and Pathogenesis of Mental Illness.- 9. Neuroendocrine Studies on the Pathogenesis of Depression.- 10. Thyroid Hormone in the Regulation of Neurotransmitter Function and Behaviour.- 11. Behavioural Studies with lithium in Rats: Implications for Animal Models of Mania and Depression.- 12. Experimental Models of Mental Illness: Separation-induced Depression in Primates.- 13. The Role of Neuroendocrine Function in Anorexia Nervosa.- Four: Biological Markers of Altered Mental Function.- 14. Alteration in Brain Receptors in Affective Disorders.- 15. Psychophysiological Correlates of Mental Disorders.- 16. Hormonal Markers in Schizophrenia and Depression.- 17. Contemporary Neuroendocrine Research Strategies and Methodologies in Psychiatry.- 18. Relevance of Plasma and Urine Amine Metabolites as Diagnostic and Pharmacodynamic Indicators in Psychiatric Disorders.- Notes on Contributors.