Drugs and the Pharmaceutical Sciences Molecular Recognition in Pharmacology

This unique volume traces the behavior of the drug substance, starting from the initial pre-contact stage, and ending with the formation of the complex. Molecular recognition lies in the foundation of every life form and includes many mysteries. Currently, studies on this topic in pharmacology are limited to determining the properties of complexes of medicinal substances (drugs) with specific (complementary) biomolecules: receptors, enzymes, ion channels etc. The results present the mechanisms preventing drugs from such non-specific binding. This direction is very fruitful, although the phenomenon of molecular recognition is far wider. Features Presents the basics of thermodynamics and kinetics of complex formation between ligands and receptors Selected novel therapeutic concepts are tested and validated Provides a review of the pharmacophore approach and drug design methods By its nature, pharmacology is a multi-disciplinary science, hence, disciplinary areas include chemistry, biology and neuroscience Discusses hot topics including 3D structure determination techniques and in silico methods and neural networks The main theme of the book is the consideration of mechanisms created by nature to protect physiologically active substances from being stuck on nonspecific acceptors in the body. The book describes the materials that aid in the development of new medicinal substances. It is intended for researchers, as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate students interested in the problems of molecular pharmacology and drug design.