About the Book
The nervous system has a remarkable capacity for self-reorganization, and in this first systematic analysis of the interaction between hormones and brain plasticity, Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura proposes that hormones modulate metaplasticity in the brain. He covers a wide variety of hormones, brain regions, and neuroplastic events, and also provides a new theoretical background with which to interpret the interaction of hormones and brain remodeling throughout the
entire life of the organism.Garcia-Segura argues that hormones are indispensable for adequately adapting the endogenous neuroplastic activity of the brain to the incessant
modifications in external and internal environments. Their regulation of neuroplastic events in a given moment predetermines new neuroplastic responses that will occur in the future, adapting brain reorganization to changing physiological and behavioral demands throughout the life of the organism. The cross-regulation of brain plasticity and hormones integrates information originated in multiple endocrine glands and body organs with information coming from the external world in conjunction with
the previous history of the organism. Multiple hormonal signals act in concert to regulate the generation of morphological and functional changes in neural cells, as well as the replacement of
neurons, glial, and endothelial cells in neural networks. Brain remodeling, in turn, is involved in controlling the activity of the endocrine glands and regulating hormonal secretions. This bidirectional adjustment of brain plasticity in response to hormonal inputs, and adjustment of hormonal concentrations in response to neuroplastic events are crucial for maintaining the stability of the inner milieu and for the generation of adequate behavioral responses in anticipation of--and in adaptation
to--new social and environmental circumstances and life events, including pathological conditions.
Table of Contents:
1: Hormones and the Mutable Brain
2: Brain Plasticity Regulates Hormonal Homeodynamics
3: Hormonal Influences on Brain Plasticity: I. Melatonin, Thyroid Hormones, and Corticosteroids
4: Hormonal Influences on Brain Plasticity: II. Sex Hormones
5: Hormonal Influences on Brain Plasticity: III. Peptidergic Hormones
6: Life Stages, Hormones, and Brain Remodeling: Early Hormonal Influences on Brain Mutability
7: Life Stages, Hormones, and Brain Remodeling: The Transition from Childhood to Adulthood
8: Life Stages, Hormones, and Brain Remodeling: Adult Reproductive Life
9: Life Stages, Hormones, and Brain Remodeling: Disease
10: Life Stages, Hormones, and Brain Remodeling: Aging
About the Author :
Luis M. Garcia-Segura is Research Professor and head of the department of functional and systems neurobiology at the Cajal Institute of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in Madrid. He is internationally recognized by his pioneering studies on the actions of hormones in the regulation of brain plasticity.
Review :
"Hormones and Brain Plasticity is a sophisticated synthesis, integrating theoretical and historical background with state-of-the-art knowledge about just how profoundly, and with exquisite regional and temporal specificity, hormones can impact the entire nervous system throughout the lifespan, in health and disease. Destined to become a fundamental source book in this important field." -- Lydia L. DonCarlos, Professor of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and
Anatomy, Loyola University Chicago
"Garcia-Seguras book is a bold and unique undertaking. It places hormonal actions in the midst of one the most basic functions of the brainits ability to change and adapt. Hormones have long been associated with reproduction and emotion. This book shows that, on careful examination, hormones are involved with virtually everything that the brain does." -- Janice M. Juraska, Professor of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois
"Hormones and Brain Plasticity is certainly a book that every neuroscientist would want to have on the bookshelf. Indeed, this book provides in a clear and comprehensive manner the state of the art of this interesting research topic. Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura has done a great service to neuroscience and to the neuroendocrine community!" -- Roberto Cosimo Melcangi, Professor of Endocrinology, Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases,
University of Milano, Italy
"This monograph is a timely and durable treasure. It is a guidebook by an experienced observer who has been excavating the area for nearly three decades. The text is personal and readable. At the same time, it is exhaustive; even encyclopedic. This is a neat trick, easy reading and extensive detail, practiced by Garcia-Seguras predecessor, Ramon y Cajal. The subject of brain plasticity is fundamental to understanding the development, maintenance, function
and aging of the bodys control tower. The role of hormones is a young, but vigorous and promising part of the story. The material is up-to-the-minute and has a translational point of view, with the
last chapters summarizing the issues. Consequently, this is a book that should be known to all students of brain development, plasticity and aging, including clinical neuroscientists." -- Frederick Naftolin, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director, Reproductive Biology Research, New York University School of Medicine
"The past decades have brought a deeper understanding of the tremendously complex effects that hormones exert on brain function. This book gives a comprehensive and complete overview of this expanding field of neurobiology, while remaining very readable and clear. The author, a prominent authority in the field, gives an excellent overview of the very early discoveries, connects these to the exciting new findings and discusses the far-reaching implications of
the data presented. The result is a book relevant to a broad readership: both graduate students and experienced neuroscientist will equally benefit from its philosophical approach." -- Árpád Párducz,
Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Szeged, Hungary
"Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura presents a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the reciprocal relationship between hormone action and brain activity in his book Hormones and Brain Plasticity, citing classic studies as well as current research. Every paragraph is chock full of references...I found the book to be an enjoyable and, at times, provocative read..."--PsycCRITIQUES
