The text brings together the evidence for the fundamental significance of ultradian rhythms at all levels of organization. In lower eukaryotes, short-period rhythms (30-70 minutes) are coupled to an ultradian clock which serves as a central time-keeper. In metazoans, similar rhythms are necessary for inter-cell communication, and temporal coupling for the co-ordination of integrated functions of tissues and organs in order to provide the "homodynamics" of the whole organism. Electrical, endocrine and behavioural rhythms characterize both wakefulness and sleep, and pathologically disordered states give rise to dynamic diseases. This text traces a continuum from the molecular genetic, through the cellular and neuroendocrine, to the behaviour and psychosocial levels. Specialist chapters devoted to each of these topics (each with a general introductory section and some speculative discussions) are provided. Many of the results presented are recent and novel, with far-reaching consequences for our understanding of health and diseases.
- ISBN10 1447119703
- ISBN13 9781447119708
- Publish Date 15 October 1992 (first published June 1992)
- Publish Status Withdrawn
- Out of Print 18 October 2014
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Springer My Copy UK
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 438
- Language English