ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introduction to psychoneuroendocrinology. Assuming a general understanding of basic concepts in neurobiology, the basic concepts of neuroendocrinology are provided, such as hormonal communication and the basics of signal transduction. The role of the hypothalamus and the hypothalamic–pituitary relations in the regulation of hormones are described, and an overview on the endocrine glands and the types of hormones they secrete is provided. To lay the ground for the following chapters, emphasis is given to hormones of the anterior pituitary and of the adrenal glands as well as to androgens. A short overview of the techniques used in the study of psychoneuroendocrinology is also provided, with a focus on stimulation and suppression.
