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Biology of the menopause
339
BOOK REVIEWS Biology
of the Menopause.
By
R. G.
demic Press, New York/Orlando, $37.50.
GOSDEN. Aca1985. 188 pp.
Menopause is a human biological phenomenon, and it is the focus of this small book. Cessation of gonadal activity that accompanies aging is an adaptive phenomenon of broader biological significance, and it would have improved the book if this were better considered by the author. On the other hand, it must be admitted that comparative endocrinologists generally have failed to devote much attention to aging of reproductive function. Thus, they have not provided much in the way of “models” of reproductive aging aside from domesticated birds and mammals. The well-documented and detailed analysis of gonadal aging in laboratory rodents and humans, as described in this book, should create a reverse model that poses the questions which ought to be addressed in lower vertebrates and invertebrates.
Actions of Hormones, Vol. 12. Edited by G. LITWACK. Academic Press, New York/Orlando, 1985. 521 pp. $89.00
Biochemical
This volume contains 14 chapters. Four chapters deal with properties of particular receptors: for TSH, nerve growth factor, estrogens, and mineralocorticoids. Three chapters deal with regulation of prolactin gene expression. Two chapters are concerned with control of specific protein synthesis by estrogens (vitellogenin and milk protein). Several chapters describe intracellular actions of corticosteroids, including an interesting chapter on glucocorticoid regulation of metallothionein gene expression. There is a valuable chapter on processing or “generation of diversity” of opioid peptides. In sum, this is a worthwhile addition to this series, reflecting current status of cellular and molecular endocrinology.
The
Pituitary Series).
Gland
(Comprehensive
Endocrinology
Edited by HIROO IMIJRA. Raven Press, New York, 1984. 575 pp., $69.50.
The “Comprehensive Endocrinology” series, of which this book is the 13th, differs from most recent edited reviews in having been planned deliberately as a book rather than as a summation of a symposium. The editor selected a series of authors to prepare chapters under four group titles: Morphology, Gene Organization for the Pituitary Hormones, Regulation of Secretion of Pituitary Hormones, and Pituitary Diseases. Of particular interest is a chapter by Halasz on localization of releasing hormone sites of production and transport as determined by the “deafferentation” cutting method he developed, and by other procedures. Four chapters review recent development of information concerning gene structures for all six pars distalis hormones and for the neurohypophysial hormones. Some information on regulation of transcription and translation of these genes is given. Speculations on evolution of the DNAs for the glycoprotein hormones are reviewed. How
It Was. Anabolic membrances. By
of Alabama 1984. 112 pp.
Action
of Steroids
and
Re-
D. KOCHAKIAN. University School of Medicine, Birmingham, C.
Professor Kochakian retired in 1978 at the age of 70 after a productive career as an endocrinologist. As the title of this highly personal autobiography suggests, he considers his discovery of the anabolic action of androgenic steroids his prime contribution to the field. Students will no doubt be very interested in this highly readable account of the unfolding of a modern career in endocrinology, from elementary school days to retirement as an influential and successful person in his field, and chairman of his medical school department.
BOOK REVIEWS Biology
of the Menopause.
By
R. G.
demic Press, New York/Orlando, $37.50.
GOSDEN. Aca1985. 188 pp.
Menopause is a human biological phenomenon, and it is the focus of this small book. Cessation of gonadal activity that accompanies aging is an adaptive phenomenon of broader biological significance, and it would have improved the book if this were better considered by the author. On the other hand, it must be admitted that comparative endocrinologists generally have failed to devote much attention to aging of reproductive function. Thus, they have not provided much in the way of “models” of reproductive aging aside from domesticated birds and mammals. The well-documented and detailed analysis of gonadal aging in laboratory rodents and humans, as described in this book, should create a reverse model that poses the questions which ought to be addressed in lower vertebrates and invertebrates.
Actions of Hormones, Vol. 12. Edited by G. LITWACK. Academic Press, New York/Orlando, 1985. 521 pp. $89.00
Biochemical
This volume contains 14 chapters. Four chapters deal with properties of particular receptors: for TSH, nerve growth factor, estrogens, and mineralocorticoids. Three chapters deal with regulation of prolactin gene expression. Two chapters are concerned with control of specific protein synthesis by estrogens (vitellogenin and milk protein). Several chapters describe intracellular actions of corticosteroids, including an interesting chapter on glucocorticoid regulation of metallothionein gene expression. There is a valuable chapter on processing or “generation of diversity” of opioid peptides. In sum, this is a worthwhile addition to this series, reflecting current status of cellular and molecular endocrinology.
The
Pituitary Series).
Gland
(Comprehensive
Endocrinology
Edited by HIROO IMIJRA. Raven Press, New York, 1984. 575 pp., $69.50.
The “Comprehensive Endocrinology” series, of which this book is the 13th, differs from most recent edited reviews in having been planned deliberately as a book rather than as a summation of a symposium. The editor selected a series of authors to prepare chapters under four group titles: Morphology, Gene Organization for the Pituitary Hormones, Regulation of Secretion of Pituitary Hormones, and Pituitary Diseases. Of particular interest is a chapter by Halasz on localization of releasing hormone sites of production and transport as determined by the “deafferentation” cutting method he developed, and by other procedures. Four chapters review recent development of information concerning gene structures for all six pars distalis hormones and for the neurohypophysial hormones. Some information on regulation of transcription and translation of these genes is given. Speculations on evolution of the DNAs for the glycoprotein hormones are reviewed. How
It Was. Anabolic membrances. By
of Alabama 1984. 112 pp.
Action
of Steroids
and
Re-
D. KOCHAKIAN. University School of Medicine, Birmingham, C.
Professor Kochakian retired in 1978 at the age of 70 after a productive career as an endocrinologist. As the title of this highly personal autobiography suggests, he considers his discovery of the anabolic action of androgenic steroids his prime contribution to the field. Students will no doubt be very interested in this highly readable account of the unfolding of a modern career in endocrinology, from elementary school days to retirement as an influential and successful person in his field, and chairman of his medical school department.