As in other volumes in the series, this newest volume conveys up-to-date knowledge in a clear and straightforward manner. It begins with a survey of the neurobiological functions of the brain, with the emphasis on Parkinson's disease. This is followed by a presentation of the role of dopamine in the regulation of human anterior pituitary function. The final two chapters concentrate on the dopamine receptors: first, the binding sites are characterized and the biochemical and physiological consequences of dopamine-receptor stimulation are discussed and, finally, there is a report on the topology of a dopamine-receptor model that can account comprehensively for agonists and antagonists.

The Role of Dopamine in the Control of Neurobiological Functions.- Parkinson's Disease.- Morphological Basis for the Pathobiochemistry of the Nigrostriatal Dopamine Systems.- Pathobiochemistry of Parkinson's Disease.- Protein Phosphorylation and Synthesis.- Molecular Plasticity of the Nigrostriatal DA System in Man.- Presynaptic Feedback Regulation.- Therapeutic Consequences of Autoreceptor Stimulation.- Basic Principles of Receptor Regulation.- Transneuronal Feedback Regulation.- Denervation Supersensitivity.- Neuronal Sprouting and Re-innervation by Grafts.- Neuronal Reserve Capacity.- DA as a Hormone.- Evidence for a Lack of Mitochondria Containing Monoamine Oxidase in the Nigrostriatal DA System.- Vulnerability of Dopaminergic Substantia Nigra Neurons.- DA in the Control of Endocrine Activity.- DA and Body Weight.- Catecholamines in the Spinal Cord.- Behaviour Related to Unbalanced Neural Loops Involving a Dopaminergic System.- Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type.- A DA Hypothesis of Schizophrenia.- DA in Affective Disorders.- References.- Clinical Aspects of Dopamine in the Regulation of Human Anterior Pituitary Function.- Regulation of Prolactin Secretion.- Clinical Features of Hyperprolactinaemia.- Diagnosis of Hyperprolactinaemia.- Natural History of Prolactinomas.- Therapy.- Macroprolactinomas.- Dopamine and LH Secretion.- Dopamine in Growth Hormone Secretion.- Dopamine Agonist Therapy for Acromegaly.- Dopamine and ACTH Secretion.- Conclusions.- References.- Dopamine Receptors in the Central Nervous System.- Receptors and Second Messengers.- Second Messengers and Dopamine Receptors.- Selective D1 Receptor Agonists and Antagonists.- Selective D2 Receptor Agonists and Antagonists.- Binding Sites for Dopamine Receptor Ligands.- In Vitro Binding Assays.- Autoradiography.- Biochemical and Physiological Manifestations of Dopamine Receptor Stimulation.- D1 Receptors.- D2 Receptors.- Behavioural Manifestations of Dopamine Receptor Stimulation.- Conclusions.- References.- Topology of Dopamine Receptors.- Dopamine Agonists.- Dopamine Antagonists.- Unsolved Problems: D1/D2 Specificity and Partial Agonists.- Conclusion.- References.