Building upon the extensive compilation of biochemical data featured in Volume I of the Handbook of Eicosanoids, the new Volume II describes the past, present, and potential future impact of eicosanoid research on new drug development. The reader is taken from a historical perspective through state-of-the-art basic concepts to extensive tabulation of molecular structures of compounds known to act via the eicosanoid system. Much emphasis is given to recent breakthroughs in the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and the development of receptor antagonists for prostaglandins and leukotrienes. There is also an introductory chapter that proposes areas that require further investigation and novel approaches using existing technology. This handbook will thus be invaluable for medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and all those involved in basic research in the eicosanoid area. In addition, many parts of this handbook are suitable for use by university lecturers and students. There are 20 figures and 44 extensive tables as well as a bibliography containing more than 2,000 references that complement the text.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
Volume II
INTRODUCTION TO THE AREA
Therapeutic Promise of the Eicosanoid Area: An Overview ................................................ 3
A. L. Willis
INHIBITORS OF EICOSANOID PRODUCTION
Antiphospholipase Proteins: Introduction and Overview.......................................................27
D. L. Smith
Effects of Corticosteroids on Release of Eicosanoid Precursors ......................................... 35
R. J. Flower, G. J. Blackwell, and D. L. Smith
Drugs that Inhibit the Activities of Activation of Phospholipases and Other
Acylhydrolases...........................................................................................................................47
F. Hirata
Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors........................................................................................................ 59
P. H. Nelson
Lipoxygenase Inhibitors..........................................................................................................135
J. R. Pfister
Selective Inhibitors of Thromboxane Synthetase .................................................................. 165
K. A. M. Walker
MODULATORS OF EICOSANOID ACTIONS
Classification of Prostanoid Receptors .................................................................................. 273
R. M. Eglen and R. L. Whiting
Eicosanoid Receptor Antagonists...........................................................................................285
J. H. Sanner
Leukotriene Antagonists..........................................................................................................345
J. H. Musser, A. F. Kreft, and A. J. Lewis
Regulation of Cyclic Nucleotide Metabolism in Human Platelets by Prostanoids ........... 373
R. Alvarez
Opposite Effects of Prostaglandins on Human Platelets Mediated by Distinct Protein
Kinases.......................................................................................................................................383
B. Strulovici
Index..........................................................................................................................................391