Cardiovascular Neuroendocrinology (eBook)

The cardiovascular system and the neuroendocrine system are integrated at multiple levels. This integration is key to normal physiological function. Further, it adapts to accommodate changes related to aging, the organism's reproductive state, or physiological challenges. This type of adaptability, or plasticity, also can contribute to pathophysiology when these systems are stressed.

This volume discusses how neuroendocrine systems influence cardiovascular function in health and disease. The first section provides detailed background information on neuronal and neuroendocrine control of cardiovascular function. This is followed by chapters highlighting the cardiovascular role of neuroendocrine hormones in regulating physiological states, such as pregnancy, and the effects of biological sex on vascular function. The influence of exercise, stress, psychology, and aging on cardiovascular function and dysfunction, and the possibility of therapeutically targeting the neuroendocrine axis for the treatment of cardiovascular disease are discussed in the final section of the book.

This book is of relevance for students, trainees and established researchers alike who are seeking for an overview on the neuroendocrine control of cardiovascular function and disease.

This is the fourteenth volume in the International Neuroendocrine Federation (INF) Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology series, which aims to illustrate the highest standards and encourage the use of the latest technologies in basic and clinical research and hopes to provide inspiration for further exploration into the exciting field of neuroendocrinology.

Gina L. C. Yosten is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Physiology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Gina received a B.S. in Zoology/Biomedical Sciences from the University of Oklahoma and then worked as a research assistant at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Gina earned her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Physiology at Saint Louis University and remained at SLU for postdoctoral fellowship training under the tutelage of Dr. Willis K. Samson. Following a short fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Gina was promoted to the faculty at SLU. Her group studies the role of G protein coupled receptors in neuroendocrine and metabolic dysfunction and currently receives funding from both private and federal agencies, including NIH.

J. Thomas Cunningham is currently Associate Vice President for Research Administration, Division of Research and Innovation and Regents Professor, Department of Physiology and Anatomy at the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Tom received his undergraduate training at Eastern Illinois University (BA, 1982). After completing an MA and PhD at the University of Iowa with Alan Kim Johnson, he went to McGill University for postdoctoral training to learn neurophysiology from Leo Renaud MD. PhD. His laboratory studies the role of the central nervous system in body fluid homeostasis and blood pressure regulation. They have conducted this type of research with continuous funding from NIH since 1995.