Opiate Receptors and Antagonists - 9781588298812

The growing understanding of opioid receptors and their subtypes is intimately connected to the development of new pharmacological treatments for a wide range of challenging diseases and disorders. In this text, 81 leading international researchers and clinicians contribute 39 chapters reviewing recent research on the opioid receptor systems, with descriptions of experimental and clinical approaches from diverse fields--neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry, anatomy, pharmacology, psychology, and psychiatry. An opening description of the history behind the clinical development of the classic opioid antagonist naltrexone is followed by sections on opioid receptors; the chemistry and pharmacology of opioid antagonists; the therapeutic areas of opioid antagonists for substance abuse, alcohol and ingestive behaviors, behavioral disorders, and medical indications, supported by nonclinical and clinical evidence; and the development of exciting and innovative drug-delivery approaches. The text serves as a reference for those in the field and provides indicators of prospects for future research. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)