This two-volume book provides the first comprehensive survey of opioid research, a field which has accumulated a tremendous amount of literature since the identification of opioid receptors and their endogenous ligands. In more than 60 chapters experts present state-of-the-art reviews of this fascinating field, the topics ranging from molecular biology to clinical applications. Part I covers the multiplicity of opioid receptors, the chemistry of opiates and opioid peptides as well as the neurophysiology of opioids. Part II reviews a broad spectrum of physiological and behavioral functions and pharmacological actions of opioids, together with their neuroendocrinology, opioid tolerance and dependence, concluding with pathophysiological aspects and clinical use.

Inhalt

Section E: Pharmacology and Behavior.- 31 Brainstem Mechanisms of Pain Modulation: Anatomy and Physiology.- 32 Supraspinal Opioid Receptors in Antinociception.- 33 The Spinal Actions of Opioids.- 34 Peripheral Mechanisms of Opioid Analgesia.- 35 Acupuncture and Stimulation Produced Analgesia.- 36 Multiple Opioid Systems and Chronic Pain.- 37 Gastrointestinal Effects of Opioids.- 38 Role of Endogenous Opioids in Central Cardiovascular Regulation and Dysregulation.- 39 Physiological Functions of Opioids: Temperature Regulation.- 40 Opioid Mechanisms in the Control of Food Consumption and Taste Preferences.- 41 Opioids in Respiration and Vomiting.- 42 Opioid Systems and Stress.- 43 Role of Endogenous Opioid and Opioid Receptors in Central Nervous System Injury.- 44 Opioids: Epilepsy and Neuroprotection.- 45 Opioids in Immunologic Processes.- 46 Effect of Opioids on the Spontaneous Behavior of Animals.- 47 Involvement of Opioid Peptides in Learning and Memory.- 48 Establishing Correlations Between the Pharmacodynamic Characteristics of Opioid Agonists and Their Behavioral Effects.- Section F: Neuroendocrinology.- 49 Opioid Peptides in the Regulation of Anterior Pituitary Hormones.- 50 Opioids and the Neuroendocrine Control of Reproduction.- 51 Opioids in the Neurohypophysial System.- 52 Opioids Peptide Expression in Peripheral Tissues and Its Functional Implications.- Section G: Reinforcement - Tolerance/Dependence.- 53 Opioid Tolerance and Physical Dependence and Their Relationship.- 54 Opioid Tolerance/Dependence in Isolated Organs.- 55 Opioid Abuse Liability Assessment in Rhesus Monkeys.- 56 Motivational Effects of Opioids.- Section H: Clinical Aspects.- 57 CSF Opioids in Pathophysiology.- 58 Circulating Opioids in Man.- 59 Opioid Analgesics in Clinical Pain Management.- 60 Opioids in Operative Anesthesia.- 61 ?-Endorphin in Human Reproduction.- 62 Opioids in the Etiology and Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders.- 63 Opioid Addiction.