Introduction

Abstract

This book deals with the concept of receptors — a fundamental idea in science and medicine. Receptors are defined as proteins at the cell surface and within cells that mediate the effect of chemical messengers and hormones and the actions of many drugs in the body.¹ Although this concept is approximately 100 years old, it was not until the 1960s that it became fully accepted and exploited in the scientific community.

Generally speaking, until really quite recently — well into the 20th century in fact — treatment by most available medicines was at best only marginally beneficial and at worst positively harmful.

(William C. Bowman, 1999)