[A view of basic endocrinology].

Abstract

In order to continue the advances of basic endocrinology, further development of molecular endocrinology and neuroendocrinology is necessary. In molecular endocrinology, investigations of the action mechanisms of hormones in non-typical target tissues, such as those of estrogen in bone, in cholesterol metabolism and in the immune system, may yield lucrative results. In these studies, estrogen action by non-classical pathways should also be investigated. In the investigation of brain functions, the role of neuroendocrinology seems to be important since signal transduction pathways in both the nervous and endocrine systems are similar. For these further developments of basic endocrinology, creative investigations by young and impartial investigators should be particularly accelerated.