Endocrine Abstracts

Two major timing systems control all living organisms. The first is the “circadian” clock, which drives a vast array of internal physiological systems. This includes timing of hormone secretion, and interaction with intra-cellular signalling pathways. The second system is the less understood photoperiodic clock, in which virtually all life forms adapt to the passage of the seasons. Here, processes as diverse as reproduction, sexual behaviour, parental care, metabolis...

Humans have 10 insulin-like genes, the most closely related being insulin and the adjacent gene, insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II). Despite insulin being at the vanguard of endocrinology, the role of IGF-II has remained an enigma. IGF-II was first discovered with the observation that after all detectable insulin was depleted from serum with very specific antibodies, the vast majority of insulin activity remained. While insulin is a very simple gene, the IGF-II gene is far...

The thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) may be a major determinant of energy balance and thus of obesity versus slimness. The acute and chronic regulation of BAT may therefore be a significant issue in body weight control. From a classical aspect where BAT is only controlled by nervous input, we see today a growing array of factors that have been forwarded as being physiologically important regulators. These factors include both classical hormones such as thyroi...