Preface vii

1 The Molecular Basis of Hormones 1

2 The Hypothalamus and the Concept of Neurosecretion 43

3 The Pituitary Gland (1): The Anterior Lobe (Adenohypophysis) 51

4 The Pituitary Gland (2): The Posterior Lobe (Neurohypophysis) 89

5 Diseases of the Pituitary Gland 109

6 The Gonads (1): Testes 133

7 The Gonads (2): Ovaries 155

8 The Endocrine Control of Puberty 189

9 The Hormones of Pregnancy, Parturition and Lactation 199

10 The Adrenal Glands (1): Adrenal Cortex 211

11 The Adrenal Glands (2): Adrenal Medulla 247

12 The Endocrine Control of Salt and Water Balance 259

13 The Thyroid Gland and Its Iodothyronine Hormones 275

14 The Islets of Langerhans and Their Hormones 303

15 Diabetes Mellitus 325

16 The Gut–Brain Axis 337

17 Hormones, Endocrine Tumours and the Gut 343

18 The Parathyroids, the Endocrine Kidney and Calcium Regulation 349

19 The Genetics of Endocrine Tumours 375

20 Future Prospects 383

Index 387

Professor John Laycock, Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK.

Professor Karim Meeran, Division of Investigative Science, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK.