Seiji Shioda - Böcker

The volume highlights recent and new developments in all fields of neuropeptides in biological homeostasis regulation such as body weight and metabolism, reproduction, osmotic pressure reproduction. Special attention given to the phylogenetic aspects of neuroendocrinology, from invertebrates to mammals including humans.  The main target of the neuropeptides presented and discussed are newly found G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) ligands such as orexin, ghrelin, GALP, NPW, neuromedin U, 26FRa, urotensin II and metastin, but other important neuropeptides such as GHRH, CCK, GnIH, ANP are discusssed. This volume is based on a conference held as a satellite symposium of the 9th VIP/PACAP and Related Peptides Symposium in Kagoshima in Oct 5-8th in 2009.NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas.ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member.

Prominent international researchers contributed to this volume of reports advancing the study of brain function and morphology. Comprising investigations in several areas of neuroscience, the book includes research in neurodegenerative diseases and in neuroregeneration in adults. Described here are the effects of neuropeptides and biogenic amines on feeding, respiration, and other autonomic functions as well as on behavior. One chapter focuses on regulation of the blood brain barrier function by various neuropeptides, proteins, receptors, and transporters. Another is concerned with the modulation of higher brain functions by neuropeptides and biogenic monoamines. Yet another chapter presents research on ischemic neuronal damage and hippocampal neurogenesis in the adult mouse. Morphological or physiological techniques to study neuropeptides and neuromodulators influencing higher-order or brain-stem functions are given particular attention. The use of bio-imaging tools such as brain navigation systems and fMRIs with patients in a clinical setting creates new possibilities for investigation of human brain function and specialization of treatment.