Peptides of the pars intermedia -- Contents -- Chairman's introduction -- The intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland: introduction and background -- Discussion -- Structure and chemistry of the peptide hormones of the intermediate lobe -- Discussion -- Comparison of rat anterior and intermediate pituitary in tissue culture: corticotropin (ACTH) and β-endorphin -- Discussion -- Processing, turnover and release of corticotropins, endorphins arid melanotropin in the toad pituitary intermediate lobe -- Discussion -- β-endorphin-related peptides in the pituitary gland: isolation, identification and distribution -- Discussion -- GENERAL DISCUSSION I Physiological functions of pars intermedia peptides in mammals -- Fine structure and cytochemistry of the mammalian pars intermedia -- Discussion -- Distribution, subcellular localization and identity of immunoreactive α-melano- tropin in the pituitary gland and brain -- Discussion -- Nature and control of peptide release from the pars intermedia -- Discussion -- GENETRAL DISCUSSION II Receptors for pars intermedia peptides -- Biological role of the pars intermedia in lower vertebrates -- Discussion -- The pars intermedia and the fetal pituitary-adrenal axis -- Discussion -- Functions of α-melanotropin and other opiomelanocortin peptides in labour, intrauterine growth and brain development -- Discussion -- GENETRAL DISCUSSION III Factors influencing α-MSH secretion -- Adrenergic and dopaminergic influences on pars intermedia peptides -- Pars intermedia peptides: studies in adult humans -- Discussion -- Biological actions of melanocyte-stimulating hormone -- Discussion -- γ-Melanotropin and brain function -- Discussion -- Melanocyte-stimulating hormone and adaptive behaviour -- Discussion -- FINAL GENERAL DISCUSSION Standardization of peptide assays -- The afferent limb of the pigmentation reflex.

Chairman's closing remarks -- Index of contributors -- Subject index.