1 The pharmacology of analgesic drugs with mixed agonist‐antagonist action is reviewed in the light of the theory of drug action at single and multiple receptors. 2 Evidence for a heterogeneous population of opiate receptors in mammalian brain and in isolated tissue preparations is discussed. 3 The unusual pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles of the oripavine derivative buprenorphine are discussed in relation to the action of the drug at a molecular level.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1979.tb04701.x
View this article