An intimate relation between hormones and lipoprotein metabolism has been known for a long time especially from hormone-deficiency or -overproduction syndromes. The mechanisms through which hormones influence lipid metabolism have become a field of major interest in sci­ ence. The more we learn about cellular hormonal actions the better we understand regulatory processes and phenomena occuring in patients. The present book summarizes data discussed at an International Meet­ ing at Marburg, Germany, on "Hormones in Lipoprotein Metabolism". It was an attempt to pull together knowledge in basic science from the mode of action of hormones all the way to clinical appearance of hor­ monal disorders involving lipoprotein metabolism. Thus data on molec­ ular biology, on hormonal regulation of apolipoprotein synthesis, on lipoprotein receptors and enzyme induction are discussed together with the large field of oral contraceptive use, postmenopausal estrogen sub­ stitution, lipid disorders in diabetes mellitus, in thyroid dysfunction, in adrenal insufficiency and in glucocorticoid application. We are aware of the fact that such an overview cannot be complete but should serve as a collection of data and ideas for those interested in hormonal regulation of lipid metabolism. We thank all authors for taking an extra effort in writing up their presentations and thus making this edition possible. We also thank Bristol-Myers-Squibb for generous support of the meeting and of the final publication. Marburg, Germany ARMIN STEINMETZ JURGEN SCHNEIDER HANS KAFFARNIK Contents Molecular Biology Chairmen: D. J. Rader, A.