In addition to its well known anti-platelet and hypotensive properties, prostacyclin activates neuronal receptors in the central, enteric and sensory nervous systems. This volume discusses the properties of prostacyclin receptors in the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as in cells involved in inflammatory reactions. The chemistry and pharmacology of prostacyclin mimetics are also explored, higlighting their therapeutic value.

Contributors. Acknowledgements. Preface. 1. An introduction to prostacyclin and its receptors. 2. The development of prostacyclin analogues. 3. Nonprostanoid prostacyclin mimetics. 4. Isolation, cloning and characterisation of IP-receptors. 5. IP-receptors on platelets. 6. IP-receptors in the vasculature. 7. IP-receptors on neutrophils. 8. IP-receptors on monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes. 9. IP-receptors on sensory neurones. 10. IP-receptors in the enteric nervous system. 11. IP-receptors in the central nervous system. Index.