Biochemistry And Mode Of Action Of Hormones

Biochemistry and Mode of Action of Hormones

Mechanisms of Hormone Action

Mechanisms of Hormone Action: A NATO Advanced Study Institute focuses on the action mechanisms of hormones, including regulation of proteins, hormone actions, and biosynthesis. The selection first offers information on hormone action at the cell membrane and a new approach to the structure of polypeptides and proteins in biological systems, such as the membranes of cells. Discussions focus on the cell membrane as a possible locus for the hormone receptor; gaps in understanding of the molecular organization of the cell membrane; and a possible model of hormone action at the membrane level. The text also ponders on insulin and regulation of protein biosynthesis, including insulin and protein biosynthesis, insulin and nucleic acid metabolism, and proposal as to the mode of action of insulin in stimulating protein synthesis. The publication elaborates on the action of a neurohypophysial hormone in an elasmobranch fish; the effect of ecdysone on gene activity patterns in giant chromosomes; and action of ecdysone on RNA and protein metabolism in the blowfly, Calliphora erythrocephala. Topics include nature of the enzyme induction, ecdysone and RNA metabolism, and nature of the epidermis nuclear RNA fractions isolated by the Georgiev method. The selection is a valuable reference for readers interested in the mechanisms of hormone action.

Biosynthesis, Metabolism and Mode of Action of Invertebrate Hormones

The neuroendocrine control of reproduction and development of inver tebrates has a long tradition as an important area of research in France. The reader of this volume is certainly familiar with the significant con tributions to this field made by such outstanding scientific personalities as J ean-J acques Bounhiol, Jean Panouse, Bernard Possompes, Pierre and Line Joly, Helene Charniaux-Cotton, Maurice Durchon, Manfred Gabe, Guy Echalier, Marie Raabe, and others. It is therefore not surprising that the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) sponsored, in 1975 and 1983, two major inter national meetings devoted to this subject. The organizers of the 1975 meeting, which was held in Lille, decided to concentrate on the bio synthesis, metabolism, and mode of action of the invertebrate hor mones. To some extent, Professors Durchon and J oly wanted to convey the message that they felt that the period of classical invertebrate endo crinology had come to an end and that traditional approaches were be ing replaced by biochemical analyses. How right they were is illustrated by the present volume. Today biochemistry, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry are tools of the invertebrate endocrinologist, who now starts his morning work by homogenizing his worm, mollusc, insect . . . and by extracting DNA, steroids, or peptides."