ABSTRACT
Prostaglandins and related lipids produce most of their varied biological effects by reacting with specific cellular elements, or receptors. Subtypes of receptors for several other types of biologically active substances, such as cholinergic and adrenergic agents, histamine, and serotonin, have been classified largely on the basis of specific or selective blockade of certain functions with receptor-oriented antagonists. Such classification of eicosanoid receptors has been hindered by the large number of agonistic agents involved, the multiplicity of biological events they initiate, and the lack of clearly defined, specific antagonists, but the task is now being undertaken by several groups. Progress in the classification of eicosanoid receptors is covered in the previous chapter by Eglen and Whiting.
