It has been over 40 years since the original report by Salmon and Daughaday demon strating that the ability of GH to stimulate sulfation of cartilage was mediated by a "sulfation factor. " In the ensuing decades, it has become apparent that this "sulfation factor activity" encompasses a complex system ofligands (IGFs), receptors, and carrier proteins that are, in tum, responsible for a wide array of cellular actions. The IGF system has been demonstrated to be critically involved in both intrauterine and postnatal growth, and to have important implications in cancer biology as well, owing to the ability of the IGFs to function in endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine modes and given the wide distri bution of IGFs in virtually every organ system. The contributions to The /GF System reflect the wide span of interest in the IGF system and its implications for normal and abnormal growth and metabolism. The chapters have been divided into four broad sections: I. Molecular biology of the IGF system; II. Bio logical actions of the IGFs; III. IGF physiology; and IV. Clinical aspects of the IGFs. We have made every effort to highlight the major contemporary themes in IGF biology, but as is inevitable in such a fast-moving field, perspectives will continue to change as new information is accumulated.
"The book presented by Ron G. Rosenfeld and Charles T. Roberts and edited by Humana Press may be considered a true encyclopedia on the current status of art in this rapidly developing field. . .clinicians including endocrinologists, pediatricians, and gynecologists will find unique and valid information to enlarge the field of their diagnostic and therapeutic skills."-Endocrine Regulations " The editors have provided a timely service in putting to together a book that is both informative and accessible, and which provides both a broad perspective and in-depth reviews. . . This work covers many of the important areas of IGF research, from the beginnings of the field to more recent contributions on "the cutting edge." . . .The sections on the molecular biology of the IGF system and signaling by the IGF receptors provide a wealth of information by leaders in the field, including Peter Rotwein, John Sussenbach, Haim Werner, Derek LeRoith, Peter Nissley, and Renato Baserga. . .this book provides both a balanced reference to those in the field and an accessible resource to those who would like to learn more."-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal "This multi-authored text, introduced by the 'fathers' of this hormone, Daughaday and Salmon, is divided into four parts, all written by acknowledged international experts...the quality of the many illustrations is excellent and each chapter is well referenced. This book is highly recommended to pediatric endocrinologists."-Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism "This is an impressive compilation of papers that provides an important and significant update in an area for which the increase in them amount of research has been explosive...The list of prestigious contributors to this volume is remarkable. Equally remarkable for an edited volume is the consistency of writing style and depth of coverage among the contributors...The present volume is useful for just about anyone interested in the IGF system - from students, clinicians and those with a little knowledge of the IGF system, to established researchers...The descriptive figures are particularly useful...the volume is satisfying on many levels. The present volume does justice to the amazing complexity, diversity and importance of the IGF peptides in biological systems."-TEM