Book excerpt: Biochemical Actions of Hormones, Volume II is a 12-chapter text that surveys the significant developments toward understanding the primary effects of hormones in cellular receptors at the molecular level. This book starts with an overview of the genetic regulation by hormones and the role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in hormonal response. These topics are followed by discussions on the hormone-dependent molecular mechanisms, which appear to participate in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in this model system, as well as how multiple hormonal signals may serve to integrate a large number of complex regulatory mechanisms. A chapter deals with the comparative aspects of the physiology and biochemistry of insulin, with an emphasis on the molecular mode of action of insulin on metabolic processes. The remaining chapters deal with the physiology, mechanism of action, and biological effects of various hormones, including catecholamines, glucocorticoids, estrogens, progestins, gonadotropins, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, and insect hormones. Endocrinologists will find this book invaluable.