The Electrophysiology of Neuroendocrine Cells

Book excerpt: The Electrophysiology of Neuroendocrine Cells explores the role of electrical activity in neuroendocrine cells in stimulus-secretion coupling, sensory mechanisms, and intercellular communication. This comprehensive and concise handbook includes introductory material on the ontogenesis and classification of the neuroendocrine system and describes general electrical properties, voltage-gated ion channels, and the pharmacology of ion channels. By focusing on functional aspects, The Electrophysiology of Neuroendocrine Cells provides research scientists, physicians, and students with a basic understanding of neuroendocrine cells and their similarity to neurones, as well as their relationship to thyroid- or steroid-hormone secreting endocrine cells. The multidisciplinary nature of this book provides readers with a broad perspective on the electrical properties of neuroendocrine cells, and the combination of general information and specialized information makes the book accessible to beginning and advanced readers alike.