Abstract

The somatotropic axis is one of the major hormonal systems regulating postnatal growth in mammals. It interacts with the central nervous system on several levels. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors are expressed in many brain areas including the hippocampus, pituitary and hypothalamus. GH and IGF-I are important factors in the development and differentiation of the CNS and have protective properties in dementia, as well as in traumatic and ischaemic injury of the CNS. Also GH has an important impact on mood and well-being with GH secretory capacity being reduced in depression.
This volume will include chapters (1) on basic knowledge on GH/IGF-1, (2) on localization of GH/IGF-1 and their receptors in the CNS, including blood brain barrier transport of both hormones, (3) on actions of the two hormones on CNS function (basic science), (4) on clinical aspects of GH/IGF-1 in relation to various CNS functions and disorders, and finally (5) on some future perspectives in this area of science.
Contents are well balanced and cover a variety of relevant topics from basic to clinical research
International selection of authors, with a good representation of the research on growth hormones
A timely publication which will be useful to scientists in both basic and clinical research
"Because of its breadth, this book will be a useful resource for both research scientists and clinicians. For the established scientist, the chapters provide a good brush-up and ready source of references; whereas for the new clinician or scientist entering the GH-CNS field, it will provide a strong and broad introduction to the field and a fairly comprehensive basis to build upon."
--BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY (September 2006)