Neuropeptides: Regulators of Physiological Processes (Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience)

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Summary: Neuropeptides: Reviewed by Abba Kastin
Review: Given the complexity and rapid growth of research in neuropeptides it is perhaps not surprising that few texts have attempted to give an overview of this field. We should, therefore, be grateful to Fleur Strand for her well-written and comprehensive monograph. The author is an experienced neuroscientist who has been actively involved in research and teaching on the subject of neuropeptides, and the book is a coherent and readable volume that provides a great deal of valuable information to advanced students and others who are interested in neuropeptides. The book is well prepared with clear illustrations, and a comprehensive bibliography and index. The author provides an easily understood review of the many different experimental approaches needed to study the genes, receptors distribution, biosynthesis, release and actions of the neuropeptides. These include molecular neurobiology techniques, immunohistochemical-mapping procedures, the use of genetically engineered animals and studies of peptide actions at the cellular and systemic levels, using neurochemical, neurophysiological and behavioral analyses. A section on the relationship between neuropeptides, stress and the immune system is particularly well prepared, as is the explanation of the physiological roles of neuropeptides in the broader context of biology and evolution. Each chapter concludes with a detailed summary of the conclusions drawn, highlighting the main concepts, which makes for easy review. A concluding section on invertebrate neuropeptides again mixes peptides of neural and non-neural origin but provides a valuable overview of the evolution and biological importance of peptides as chemical signalling molecules.

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Summary: Neuropeptides: Reviewed by Abba Kastin
Review: The Book "Neuropeptides: Regulators of Physiological Processes" is terrific. Not only does it provide the most comprehensive review of the field available anywhere , but it does so in an elegant style that remains amazingly easy to read. Moreover, the material is put together in such a way as to provide sophisticated new insights into the field.

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Summary: Editorial Reviews- Regulatory Peptides
Review: There is sufficient body of evidence to treat neuropeptides as a field of research worthy of a textbook. Dr. Strand who has masterfully pulled together this evidence, states that "one of the most important functions of neuropeptides is the integration of the functions of the brain and the systems of the body." The list of functions is long and broad but Strand covers them well. This book has the lucid consistency of being written by a single author who is an active researcher in the field of neuropeptides and a teacher of graduate courses on neuropeptides. "Neuropeptides" is an excellent overview and source book for students, teachers and researchers. It is readable and clearly organized throughout. As much as is possible in a field where new findings are constantly being made, Strand has defined the major body of knowledge that makes a basis for a textbook on neuropeptides. The book is organized in two parts: the general characteristics of neuropeptides and the second, neuropeptide families and their regulatory role. Nineteen chapters in all, full of figures, diagrams and tables of summarizing information. Dr. Strand does justice to the literature without overwhelming the reader. She provides a scholarly basis for her chapters with sufficient references backing each chapter, plus a useful list of books and literature reviews relevant to the topic. In summary, "Neuropeptides" is an excellent textbook. The book is perfect for a graduate course or upper-undergraduate level. It is also a great book for anyone working on a particular neuropeptide, to be used whenever they lose sight of the larger field of research that has been established on neuropeptides and want to understand it.

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Summary: Neuropeptides: Reviewed by David de Wied
Review: This book is a magnificent review of this fascinating subject. Strand presents a wealth of data in a very comprehensive manner. She has summarized the information in a scholarly yet highly lucid manner

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Summary: Neuropeptides: Reviewed by Frank Antonawich
Review: This book will clearly be considered the bible of the neuroendocrine field.