[New basic and clinical aspects of endocrine and metabolic diseases]

New findings obtained from basic research works using novel techniques in protein analyses, molecular biology and applied chemistry have broadened the knowledge of pathophysiological and biochemical aspects in various endocrine disorders, which often led to establishment of new diagnostic and/or therapeutic approaches. Among many interesting recent topics in endocrinology, the following themes were chosen in this symposium entitled "basic and clinical aspects of certain endocrine and metabolic diseases": ACTH secretion in adrenocortical disorders by Dr. Ohgo, pregnancy and PRL secretion by Dr. Miyakawa, auto-antigens in autoimmune thyroid diseases by Dr. Kotani, new active D3 derivatives and their clinical application in bone disorders by Dr. Okamoto, pathophysiological roles of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in hypertension by Dr. Kida, and recent trends in diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus by Dr. Sugiyama. We believed that each lecture covered and clarified new developments and their clinical implications, which should satisfy and stimulate your interest.