Translational neuroendocrinology

Abstract

Neuroendocrinology has moved far beyond its initial focus on the regulation of pituitary hormone secretion. It now embraces not only the actions on the brain of a diverse range of ‘new’ hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, but also the expanding roles of peptides as hormone-like messengers within the brain, controlling many fundamental behaviors and physiological processes. A recent International Congress of Neuroendocrinology highlighted the translational importance of some of these new insights.