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Zinc in Endocrine Function

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Zinc in Human Biology

Part of the book series: ILSI Human Nutrition Reviews ((ILSI HUMAN))

Abstract

Endocrinology is the study of the structure and function of the endocrine glands and their secretory products (hormones), including the consequences of excessive or deficient production of the latter. Hormones function as primary chemical messengers that deliver their information or signal to a selected site or target cell by virtue of the presence in the latter of a highly specific receptor to which the hormone will bind. As a result of the hormone-receptor interactions, a sequence of events is initiated, often mediated by second and third messengers, the end result of which is determined both by the chemical nature of the hormone and the type of cell in which the receptor resides. Phenomena ranging from ion transport across the plasma membrane to modification of genome transcription may be affected by hormone action. Hormone production and release and receptor synthesis and metabolism are subject to elaborate positive and negative feedback controls. Thus, under normal circumstances, the entire hormonal network operates in a highly integrated and harmonious fashion to insure growth, development and maintenance of a dynamic steady state.

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Authors
  1. G. E. Bunce
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Rowett Research Institute, AB2 9SB, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

    Colin F. Mills MSc, PhD, CChem, FRSC, FRSE (Director of Postgraduate Studies) (Director of Postgraduate Studies)

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© 1989 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Bunce, G.E. (1989). Zinc in Endocrine Function. In: Mills, C.F. (eds) Zinc in Human Biology. ILSI Human Nutrition Reviews. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3879-2_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3879-2_16

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-3881-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-3879-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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