A wide variety of topics in medicinal chemistry is presented in this volume. The
chemistry and biological and medical applications of stable isotopes are surveyed
in Chapter 1. Cell membranes have an important role in the susceptibility of
bacteria to the action of drcgs and Chapter 2 reviews recent work in this field. A
group of antibiotics which act on the cell nucleus and are therefore of interest as
cytotoxic drugs are discussed in Chapter 3.
Our current knowledge of the functional relationships between the hypothalamus
and the anterior pituitary gland is discussed in Chapter 4. The chemistry,
actions and control of hypophysiotropic hormones are well covered. Much
controversy exists over the value of copper complexes in the treatment of rheumatic
disorders, although these compounds are active in many animal models of
inflammation. Chapter 5 surveys this problem and should stimulate medicinal
chemists to attempt the preparation of less toxic and more effective and stable
complexes.