The past few years have witnessed the emergence of steroid hormones as the wonder molecules
which generate as much discussion in the scientific literature as they do in a typical living
room. This transition has been a result of the tremendous public and scientific interest in the
normal functioning of the hor mones as well their suggested involvement in several clinical
conditions. In the recent past notable scientific and technological advances have been made in
the areas of contraception and regulation of fertility. Steroid receptors are the indis
pensable mediators of hormonal responses and are complex protein molecules which appear to
exist in association with other yet undefined proteins and or factors. Receptors for vitamin
D retinoic acid and the thyroid hormones share structural similarities with steroid receptors
and the roster of this superfamily is still expanding. While our knowledge of the diversity and
magnitude of steroid effects has advanced the precise mode of steroid hormone action has
alluded investigators. This volume brings together an international team of prominent
investigators who discuss their most recent work on the basic and clinical aspects of steroid
nuclear receptors. The contributions represent updated versions of the invited presentations
made at The Second Meadow Brook Conference on Steroid Receptors in Health and Disease. I am
grateful to my colleagues on the Scientific Committee: Etienne Baulieu Jack Gorski Benita
Katzenellenbogen David Toft and James WittJiff who provided the vision and guidance in
formulating an out standing program.
