Puberty and adolescence are key developmental processes occurring in the transition period between childhood and adulthood. They involve profound physical and behavioral changes that share dependency on matuiational events in the central nervous system (CNS). The neurobiology of puberty and adolescence has made important progress during the past decade through finely tuned studies on behavior, CNS imaging, and molecular neurobiology.A\The aim of the symposium on which these proceedings are based was to provide the attendants with a pathophysiological perspective on the role of CNS in puberty and adolescence, starting from genetic/molecular aspects, going through structural/imaging changes, and leading to physical/behavioral characteristics. Renowned investigators involved in both animal and human research convened and shared with the participants their recent data as well as overall appraisals of relevant questions around CNS control of puberty and adolescence.A\Among other findings, some contributors have underscored that adolescence is a critical phase for risk of addiction and mental illnesses in adulthood. Such a critical period may be longer than commonly expected, since brain imaging studies indicate that the final maturational changes associated with adolescence can occur as late as between 25 and 30 years.A\Others have emphasized the importance of the prepubertal period that is crucial for the effect of testosterone on male sexual behavior, the gender dimorphic androgen effects on executive functioning, the epigenetic control of transcriptional repression of the neuroendocrine regulators of the onset of puberty, and the interactions between leptin- and kisspeptidergic-permissive effects on the onset of puberty.A\Finally, some factors arising in the fetal and perinatal periods have emerged as possible new players in the early control of the onset of puberty. They involve microRNAs, rabconnectin-3alpha, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.No doubt the present book will inspire those involved in either scientific research or clinical practice or both in the fascinating field of puberty and adolescence. Liege, Belgium:Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, Paris, France:Jean-Claude Carel, Boulogne-Billancourt, France:Yves Christen

Drugs and the Adolescent Brain 1

Gonadal Hormones Organize the Adolescent Brain and Behavior 15

The Role of Pubertal Hormones in the Development of Gender Identity: fMRI Studies 29

Pubertal Timing, Exploratory Behavior and Mental Health: A View from a Clinician and Public Health Practitioner 45

Puberty, the Brain and Mental Health in Adolescence 57

The Role of Puberty in Human Adolescent Brain Development 75

The Adolescent Brain: Insights from Neuroimaging 85

Gene Networks, Epigenetics and the Control of Female Puberty 97

Neuroendocrine and Molecular Mechanisms for the Metabolic Control of Puberty: Recent Developments 121

Prostaglandin E_2, Gliotransmission and the Onset of Puberty 137

Gonadotropic Axis Deficiency: A Neurodevelopmental Disorder 155

Changes in Pubertal Timing: Past Views, Recast Issues 163

Index 173

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