This book highlights contributions from leaders in the field of sigma receptor research. Sigma receptors represent a promising, novel target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, retinal degenerations, pain and substance abuse. Information is presented about tracers for molecular imaging these receptors, the newly determined crystal structure of human sigma 1 receptor and information about sigma 2 receptor. New discoveries about the role of sigma 1 receptors in cancer, pain, neuropsychiatric disorders, learning and memory, neuronal networks and depression are described. The compendium offers important insights about the direction unfolding for this exciting field of research.
Keywords: Alcoholism; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Crystal structure sigma receptor; Drug addiction; Neuronal degeneration; Neuroprotection; Pain; Retinal degeneration; Sigma receptor; Substance abuse; Therapeutic target.