[Peptide hormones and the "new endocrinology"]

On the basis of the results found in literature a survey is given of the state of the peptide-chemical research from the point of view of the clinic. The functional mechanisms of the peptide hormones are explained, their effect as hormone and neurotransmitter is demonstrated. Particularly emphasized are the integrative tasks of the peptide hormones, which thus as another regulation principle of the organism are to be put by the side of the nervous and hormonal regulation. By the demonstration of the most frequent endocrine tumour syndromes with formation of adequate hormones the clinical importance of these substances is dealt with. The infrequency of these diseases is emphasized by the small number of own observations. It is referred to the growing importance of the peptide hormones in the diagnostics and therapy of internal and surgical diseases.