Edited by
Tim Kirkham, University of Liverpool, UK
Steven Cooper, University of Liverpool, UK
Description
There is now enough basic work to sketch out the principal systems at all levels of the brain, from prefrontal cortex to lower brainstem,
which are orchestrated to provide control of food selection, preference and consumption. At the same time, the complex interplay between
central systems and signals generated from peripheral systems include the gut, liver and fat stores, as well as the interactions with
the neuroendocrine system can be described in some detail. A continuing theme throughout the book is that the functional analysis of
appetite and food intake cannot be limited to a single focus, e.g. hypothalamic neuropeptides and their interactions, but must be based
on a fully integrated view of the several contributing systems.
Appetite and Body Weight: Integrative Systems and the Development
of Anti-Obesity Drugs provides an expert guide to the neural, neurochemical, autonomic and endocrine interrelations which underpin
appetite and the controls of food intake and body weight. The book covers many of the neurochemical entities that are currently under
investigation, including: neuropeptides, leptin, insulin, monoamines and endogenous cannabinoids in relation to appetite and body-weight
control. In addition to the neuroscience analysis, there are also chapters that provide an expert guide to some of the key psychological
concepts that the researchers believe are essential in trying to understand the phenomena under investigation. The volume will also
serve as an authoritative guide to the current emphasis on the development of novel, efficacious anti-obesity medication.
Audience:
Neuroscientists, psychologists and pharmacologists undertaking research into mechanisms of action of anti-obesity drugs and the underlying
psychological and physiological controls of appetite and body weight). This book is also written at a level that is approprite for ostgraduate
classes (Masters), research students (PhD) and research fellows in these areas. In addition, this will appeal to established investigators
in psychology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, and the pharmaceutical industry – specifically pharmacologists who are engaged in development
work on novel anti-obesity compounds.
