[Future of endocrinology]

With regards to the future of endocrinology, the author displays a spectrum formed by the following "hot" subjects: A) From a research point of view: 1) Membrane and cytosomal molecular receptors. 2) Prohormones, with regards to: a) paraneoplastic and tumoral syndromes; and b) "messenger" or transitory hormones. 3) Metabolic clearings: a) Normal; b) in endocrine pathology and c) in pathology of transformation and elimination: liver and kidney. B) From a practical-empirical point of view: 1) Tests of fetoplacental function. 2) Clinical perspectives of the use of hormonal factors and provoked endocrinological clinics (iatrogenic endocrinology). 3) Growth factors and somatostatine. 4) Thymus hormones. 5) Gastrointestinal hormones. 6) The renine-angiotensine-aldrosterone system, the problems of hypertension and preservation of the hydric compartments. Natriuretic hormones.