[New developments and findings in the field of opiates, opioids, opiate receptors and complete and partial opiate antagonists].

The historical development of the application of opiates is reviewed. After the detection and localization of opiate receptors in 1973, the clinical application of these substances has been scientifically and systematically developed. The function of the opiate system, the theory of opiate receptors, the opioid peptides, substance P as well as different opiates and analgesics are discussed in detail. The international trend in recent research efforts is aimed at finding a kappa-receptor specific opioid. The aim is to develop a selectively analgesic-acting opioid without respiratory depressant and addictive effects and without cardiovascular and excitative side-effects. Although major progress has been made in synthesizing the partial opiate agonist and opiate antagonist nalbuphine ++ (nubain), it has not yet been possible to develop a drug completely corresponding to ideal concepts.