Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. Volume 8

911 One not working in rheumatology would probably find this book too technical for practical use (although the synopsis on systemic rheumatic diseases is excellent). Those working in this field-particularly those considering establishing a laboratory to perform these assays-would, however, find it of great utility. The latest issue in the biennial series Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in this topic. The volume contains a series of review articles on widely ranging subjects in neuroendocrinology. Many of the articles include information of relevance to clinicians as well as to endocrinologists. Each chapter is copiously referenced and should act as a valuable source of information for anyone wishing to explore a topic in more detail. The book consists of a collection of nine articles, contributed by leading scientists in neuroendocrinology. Topics of clinical relevance covered in this volume include the therapeutic and contraceptive utility of LHRH and its analogs, the regulation of aldosterone secretion by dopamine, and the role of vasopressin in blood pressure regulation. Articles of more general interest include discussion of the evolutionary origin of intercellular communication and the actions of fish hormones in fishes and mammals. The former is a particularly intriguing presentation of data on the production of peptide and steroid hormones by unicellular organisms. The authors offer speculations on the evolution of the neuroendocrine system in more complex animals based on this information. The article also includes some fun facts. For example , did you know that truffles, the underground fungus and delicacy of French cuisine, emit a pig sex pheromone? This same substance is also produced by the human testes and axillary sweat glands. Authors Bex and Corbin contributed an exhaustive survey on the reproductive pharmacology and contraceptive and therapeutic utility of LHRH and its analogs. The article reviews and summarizes important animal and clinical studies on these substances and provides an up-to-date assessment of their risks and benefits as therapeutic agents. The information is presented clearly and concisely, and the inclusion of over three hundred references provides ready access to additional information on the topic. There are several other interesting contributions to this volume, including a chapter by McEwen et al., entitled "Toward a Neurochemical Basis of Steroid Hormone Action." The article describes research exploring the effects of steroid hormones on the biochemistry of neurons in various nuclei in the hypothalamus, pointing out sex differences in response to these …