Brain Messengers and the Pituitary

Preface List of Abbreviations 1 Chemical Messengers in the Brain I. Introduction II. Neurotransmitters and Neuropeptides 2 Neurotransmitters, Neuromodulators, and Neuromediators I. Introduction II. Steps Involved in Synaptic Transmission III. Cotransmitters IV. Catecholamines V. Serotonin VI. Melatonin VII. Selective Neurotoxic Drugs for Monoamine Neurons in the CNS VIII. Acetylcholine IX. Histamine X. ?-Aminobutyric Acid XI. Benzodiazepines XII. ?-Hydroxybutyrate XIII. Taurine and Glycine XIV. Excitatory Amino Acids XV. Opioid Peptides XVI. Other Neuropeptides XVII. Prostaglandins XVIII. Adenosine and Purine Derivatives XIX. Role of Calcium and Calcium Antagonists XX. Functional Interactions among Monoaminergic, Cholinergic, and Other Neurotransmitter Systems in the CNS 3 The Hypophysiotropic Regulatory Hormones I. Introduction II. Neurohormonal Control of Anterior Pituitary Hormones 4 The Role of Brain Peptides in the Control of Anterior Pituitary Hormone Secretion I. Introduction II. Substance ? III. Neurotensin IV. VIP and the Glucagon-Secretin Family of Gut Hormones V. Cholecystokinin VI. Angiotensin II VII. Neuropeptide Y and Pancreatic Polypeptides VIII. Bombesin and Gastrin-Releasing Polypeptide IX. Calcitonin X. Endogenous Opioid Peptides XI. Interactions among CNS, Neuroendocrine, and Immune Systems 5 The Anterior Pituitary: A Target of CNS Neurohormonal/Neurotransmitter and Peripheral Hormonal Influences I. Introduction II. Mechanisms of Action of Hypophysiotropic Peptides III. Pituitary Receptors 6 Neurotransmitter Regulation of the Anterior Pituitary I. Introduction II. Manipulations of Brain Neurotransmitters and the Secretion of the Anterior Pituitary 7 Neurotransmitter-Neuropeptide Involvement in Neuroendocrine Disorders: Pathophysiological, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Implications I. Introduction II. Growth Hormone Deficiency States III. Acromegaly IV. Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism V. Cushing's Disease VI. Hyperprolactinemias Bibliography Index