Overview

Traditionally an enigmatic organ, the pineal gland is now understood to contribute significantly to neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms. Its main mode of action is the secretion of melatonin, which is closely linked to light and dark periods. For the first time, literature on this gland is drawn together into a concise, coherent review. Professor Arendt focuses on topics of broad appeal: the physiology, structure and function of the pineal gland is discussed, as is the biochemistry of melatonin and its mechanisms of action. The relevance of the gland to human physiology and health is explained and the therapeutic potential of melatonin considered. This book should appeal to a broad range of scientists - anybody wishing to learn about this mysterious organ and its role, and should be of interest to students and postgraduates with an interest in animal behaviour, physiology and biological rhythms.

Full Product Details

Author:   Josephine Arendt
Publisher:   Chapman and Hall
Imprint:   Chapman and Hall
Edition:   1994 ed.
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 2.00cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   1.500kg
ISBN:  

9780412536007

ISBN 10:   0412536005
Pages:   332
Publication Date:   31 December 1994
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Undergraduate ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Reviews

Arendt's book provides the best coverage ever written on melatonin and the pineal gland, covering every possible aspect of the subject. I frankly do not believe that there is any rival publication which matches the scope of this book - Peretz Lavie, Israel Institute of Technology, Israel; A book that I have read with pleasure, that is up-to-date and that betrays the didactic experience of the author - Wop Rietveld, Leiden University, The Netherlands; The book is an excellent reference for undergraduate students and scientists in general. It is a must for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and established investigators in this field - A B Lerner, Yale University, USA; Since the beginning of the modern era of pineal research Josephine Arendt has been a towering figure in the field. She is therefore the perfect author for an authoritative text such as this and she has done an excellent job - British Journal of Psychiatry; Any research institute dealing with psychobiology should have a copy of this book in their library. It is not only the best text available on melatonin and the pineal, it also tells the story of successful science - the step by step elucidation of highly complex relationships between changing physiological functions and the temporal environment. - British Journal of Psychiatry; Arendt's book is the first comprehensive treatment of melatonin and so is very welcome ... Melatonin and the Mammalian Pineal Gland is an extremely clear summary of the state of the field and simply hums with Arendt's own enthusiasm for what has yet to be discovered ... Lerner, now long since retired from Yale, has written a brief forward. I can do no more than repeat his first sentence: Awonderful book - comprehensive, up to date and beautifully written.' - Specialist Book Section, New Scientist; This book presents an overview of the role of the pineal gland and its hormone, melatonin, in biological rhythms, seasonal affective disorders in man, reproduction in seasonally breeding animal, etc., and the effects on these systems. Its 9 chapters cover (1) an introduction to melatonin and the mammalian pineal gland, (2) structure of the pineal gland, (3) biochemistry of the pineal, (4) light=dark control of melatonin synthesis, (5) role of the pineal in photoperiodic seasonal functions, (6) role of the pineal and melatonin in circadian rhythms, (7) human physiology and pathology of the pineal, (8) therapeutic potential of melatonin, and its significance for human health, and (9) target sites and mechanism of action of melatonin. There is a glossary of terms used in chronbiology, and a subject index - CAB Abstracts

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