title: Alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists as analgesics.
abstract: Alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists are analgesic agents, and the alpha2-adrenergic agonist clonidine has been used in clinical studies for regional analgesia after intrathecal administration. We review here recent developments concerning the structure activity relationships of a new class of potent alpha2-adrenergic agonists and their use as analgesic agents. The effect of structure upon cardiovascular side-effects is also monitored, such as the prolongation of the QT portion of the cardiac action potential.
authors.affiliation: Drug Discovery Division, R. W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Spring House, PA 19477, USA. RBOYD@prius.jnj.com
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Boyd
mesh_terms: D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D000700:Analgesics / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D003000:Clonidine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D000700:Analgesics; D002395:Catecholamines; D003000:Clonidine