Book excerpt: Biochemical Actions of Hormones, Volume VII is a nine-chapter text that covers a broad range of subjects representing research efforts on hormone action. This book deals first with the developments on hormones of the thymus and the evidence on the regulation of liver steroid and drug metabolism by the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary. These topics are followed by discussions on the regulation by neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus of LHRH and somatostatin; the hormonal regulation of protein degradation in liver and in isolated cells; and the hormonal regulation of lipid mobilization from adipose tissue. Considerable chapters are devoted to steroid hormone mechanisms and the cell genetics of glucocorticoid responsiveness. The remaining chapters explore the mero-receptor and androgenic regulation in male accessory tissue. These chapters also highlight the molecular biological aspects of thyroid hormone action. This volume is an ideal source for biologists, biochemists, and researchers working in the subject and in related fields.