This book is the first attempt at a comprehensive review of the opioid analgetics since Anulgetics, edited by G. De Stevens, Academic Press, 1965. The authors have long histories as researchers in the opioids, and are highly qualified to write this monograph, which consists of a table of contents, 13 chapters, and a well prepared subject index. Most of the important papers relating to opioid research which appeared up to the beginning of 1985 are appropriately referenced in the book. References appear at the end of each chapter.
The first chapter of the book serves as an introduction and includes a discussion of the important methods for the pharmacological testing of compounds for opioid-related activity. Chapters 2 through 11 cover the opioid agonist compounds. Coverage is by chemical class rather than from a strictly historical perspective. All of the important chemical classes of opioid analgetics are covered. Emphasis is placed on the synthesis, stereochemistry, and structure-activity relationships of each of the chemical classes. Chapter 10 is devoted to the endogenous opioid peptides and the important synthetic opioid peptide derivatives. Chapter 12 describes the opioid compounds with pure antagonist or mixed agonistantagonist (dualist) activity. Chapter 13, entitled "Opioid Receptors: Facts and Speculations", is a critical review of opioid receptor models, opioid receptor subtypes, and attempts at isolating the receptor.
Opwid Analgesics: Chemistry and Receptors is a wellorganized and well-written monograph. It is a book whose publication was needed. Students and young and established investigators in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and the neurosciences who are engaged in opioid research will find the book useful. All biomedical libraries should hold this book.