Endocrinology IV/1-2. [antikvár]

Preface One of the most difficult challenges to an active investigator in a rapidly advancing field is to stand aside for a time and contemplate his subject from a distance with objectivity and equanimity. This is what we have asked the authors of the following chapters to do, and they have responded magnificently. The thoughtful scholarship which marks these pages belies the fact that nearly every aspect of the hypothalamo-hypophysial system abuts on constantly shifting frontiers buffeted by lively discussion if not spirited controversy. It is a tribute to the authors that this work will undoubtedly exceed its projected decade of utility, for in the hands of lesser talents it would have been obsolete by the time of publication. The youthful vigor of pituitary physiology is sadly underlined by the realization that the five-year period which followed the initiation of the planning for this volume saw the death of so many pioneers of this central aspect of endocrinology: H. B. van Dyke (1895-1971), H. M. Evans (1882-1971), F. L. Hisaw (1891-1972), B. A. Houssay (1887-1971), P. E. Smith (1884-1970), Emil Witschi (1890-1971), and G.W.Harris (1913-1971). This volume but alludes to the richness of their ever-increasing legacy. The two parts of this volume consist of three major segments. The first segment deals with the morphology of the hypothalamo-hypophysial apparatus. The second consists of extensive discussions of the synthesis, storage, release, metabolism, and actions of the neurohypophysial hormones, while the third concerns the hormones of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, ihcir actions, and the control of their secretion by a variety of neuroendocrine systems, the details of which remain to be clucidatcd. The hypothalamo-hypophysial system is ccntral to much of endocrine physiology in that it encompasses the major control system for adrenocortical, thyroid, and gonadal function in addition to exerting direct cflects in the control of growth, lactation, and many aspects of renal, cardiovascular, and reproductive physiology. The contents of this volume therefore impinge, at least in part, on those of every other in the Section on Endocrinology. An undertaking such as this volume can be a rewarding experience to the editors but it can also be deeply distressing. Dr. Harry B. van Dyke had agreed to write the historical essay on neurohypophysial research. While still accumulating background material for this chapter he became ill and died. Aside from our feelings of great personal loss we faced the problem of finding another author willing to undertake preparation of a historical chapter on short notice. We are particularly grateful to Professor Hans Heller for agreeing to do this as a personal favor to us and as a gesture of respect to the memory of his old friend van Dyke. We also wish to acknowledge our debt to those who skillfully edited both copy and proof. The responsibility for copyediting and proofreading fell on two teams, Catherine B. Carlston and Elspeth M. Root for Part 1 and Mary A. Phillips and Marianne K. Broth for Part 2. WILBUR H. SAWYER ERNST KNOBIL Volume Editors