Ergot Alkaloids and Related Compounds

I Introduction to the Pharmacology of Ergot Alkaloids and Related Compounds as a Basis of Their Therapeutic Application.- II Chemical Background.- A. Occurrence, Biosynthesis, and Production.- B. Structure and Synthesis of the Natural Alkaloids.- C. Chemical Modifications in the Lysergic Acid Half of Ergot Alkaloids.- D. Chemical Modification in the Peptide Part of Ergot Alkaloids.- E. Some Analytical Tools for the Determination of Ergot Alkaloids.- F. Subject Index.- G. References.- III Basic Pharmacological Properties.- A. Introduction.- B. Actions of Ergot Alkaloids at 5-HT Receptors.- C. Actions of Ergot Alkaloids at Dopamine Receptors.- D. Actions of Ergot Alkaloids at Adrenoceptors.- E. The Shape of Ergotamine and Dihydroergotamine in Relation to Their Interaction With ?-Adrenoceptors.- F. Actions of Ergot Alkaloids at Acetylcholine Receptors.- G. Actions of Ergot Alkaloids at Histamine Receptors.- H. Interaction of Ergot Alkaloids With Prostaglandins.- J. Stimulation of Smooth Muscle by Ergot Alkaloids Mediated by Miscellaneous Mechanisms.- K. Biochemical Identification of Specific Binding Sites for Ergot Alkaloids.- L. References.- IV Effects on the Uterus.- A. Introduction.- B. Actions on Uterine Motor Activity.- C. References.- V Actions on the Heart and Circulation.- A. Actions on Systemic Blood Pressure.- B. Hemodynamic Effects.- C. Effects on Regional Hemodynamics.- D. Actions on the Heart.- E. Pharmacologic Basis for the Clinical Use of Ergot Alkaloids.- F. References.- VI Effects on the Central Nervous System.- A. Introduction.- B. Early Evidence of Central Effects.- C. Whole-Animal Studies.- D. Synaptic Transmission: Catecholaminergic Mechanisms.- E. Synaptic Transmission: Serotoninergic Mechanisms.- F. Brain Metabolism.- G. References.- VII ClinicalPharmacology of Ergot Alkaloids in Senile Cerebral Insufficiency.- A. Introduction.- B. Terminology, Etiology, and Pathology of the Aging Process of the Brain.- C. Research Techniques Used in Clinical Pharmacologic Studies of Ergot Alkaloids in Senile Cerebral Insufficiency.- D. Results of Clinical Pharmacology Studies With Ergot Alkaloids.- E. Summary.- F. References.- VIII Some Compounds With Hallucinogenic Activity.- A. Introduction.- B. Discovery of LSD.- C. Effects of LSD in Man.- D. Clinical Applications of LSD.- E. LSD Analogues Tested in Man.- F. Cross-Tolerance.- G. References.- IX Influence on the Endocrine System.- A. Animal Data.- B. Human Data.- C. References.- X Metabolic Effects.- A. Introduction.- B. In Vitro Systems.- C. Intact Animals and Men.- D. Various Actions of Ergot Alkaloids.- E. References.- XI Biopharmaceutical Aspects. Analytical Methods, Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism and Bioavailability.- A. Introduction.- B. Assay of Ergot Alkaloids.- C. Pharmacokinetics.- D. Metabolism.- E. References.- XII Toxicologic Considerations.- A. Introduction.- B. Systemic Toxicity.- C. Effects on Reproductive Processes.- D. Potential Genetic Effects.- E. Interactions Leading to Enhanced Toxicity.- F. Summary.- G. References.- Authors Index.