Estrogens and Antiestrogens: Basic and Clinical Aspects Robert Lindsay, David W. Dempster, V. Craig Jordan, eds. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven, 1997. 288 pp., illus. $95. ISBN 0-39751719-X

Extract

The editors of this book have compiled a comprehensive text covering the history, basic science, and clinical applications of estrogens and antiestrogens into one slim volume. The contributing authors form a highly qualified group that includes pioneers in the field of hormonal studies.

The text is divided into three sections. Section I, “Structure and Function,” begins with a chapter describing the discovery of the estrogen receptor along with an introduction to hormone-receptor interaction and function. Chapter 2 provides an interesting history of the development of tamoxifen and other antiestrogens. New antiestrogens including pure antiestrogens are introduced in this chapter by Dr. V. Craig Jordan. Chapter 3 provides an informative and easy-tofollow overview of assays of estrogen agonistic and antagonist activity as well as the structure and nomenclature of steroidal and nonsteroidal estrogens. Chapter 4 includes a detailed description of tamoxifen metabolism and provides insight into the rat model of DNA adduct formation by tamoxifen. Chapter 5 is a comprehensive, detailed discussion of the mode of action of the steroid hormones at the cellular level. Much information is presented and referenced in this chapter, making the list of conclusions a beneficial ending for the reader. Section I ends with an excellent clinical overview of the postmenopausal state.