This comprehensive book contains the latest information on diverse biological functions of relaxin and related peptide found since the recent discovery of relaxin receptors. It also describes the evolution of relaxin family peptides and their receptors, molecular mechanisms of ligand/receptor interaction and the analysis of activated signaling pathways.

InhaltsangabeThe Evolution of the Relaxin Peptide Family and their Receptors.- Relaxin, The Relaxin-Like Factor and their Receptors.- Diverse Signalling Mechanisms used by Relaxin in Natural Cells and Tissues: The Evolution of a 'Neohormone'.- Relaxin Physiology in the Female Reproductive Tract during Pregnancy.- Relaxin and Related Peptides in Male Reproduction.- The Vascular Actions of Relaxin.- The Effects of Relaxin on Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Health and Fibrotic Disease.- Relaxin-Like Ligand-Receptor Systems are Autocrine/Paracrine Effectors in Tumor Cells and Modulate Cancer Progression and Tissue Invasiveness.- Relaxin-Family Peptide and Receptor Systems in Brain: Insights from Recent Anatomical and Functional Studies.-