OPIATE RECEPTORS: LIGANDS AND METHODS OF STUDY

1. An introduction to the current knowledge of the mu-, kappa- and delta-opioid receptors will be given. 2. The many problems associated with opiate ligands with respect to selectivity, potency, slow receptor kinetics, instability and poor access to the central nervous system will be discussed. 3. Current systems for analysis of the receptor profile of opiate ligand activity will be given. 4. The properties of opioid ligands will be discussed in the context of the identified problems.