roger cone and a distinguished team of expert investigators provide the first major treatment of this critically important receptor family. the book illuminates the structure and function of these receptors through a wide-ranging review of the latest findings concerning the biology, physiology, and pharmacology of their peptide ligands and covers the major melanocortin peptides, melanocortin-1-receptors through melanocortin-5-receptors. topics include the characterization of the melanocortin receptors, the biochemical mechanism of receptor action, and receptor function and regulation. timely and authoritative, the melanocortin receptors offers an up-to-date knowledge base on the remarkably complex structure and functions of the melanocortins, a guide that will prove invaluable for todays neuroscientists, endocrinologists, pharmacologists, and other clinical and experimental investigators working in this fast moving field.