Selective fluorescent ligands for pharmacological receptors

Receptor‐selective fluorescent ligands have come into increasing use as scientific tools for the study of receptor physiology and pathophysiology at the cellular and even the subcellular level. Furthermore, they are being increasingly investigated as tools in drug discovery research. In both cases, techniques employing receptor‐selective fluorescent ligands have proved to be complementary to, and in several cases even superior to, the traditional‐radioligand based techniques. Increasing costs and public concerns associated with radioactive isotope use and dispersal are also making the use of fluoresecent ligands more attractive in research and diagnostic use. With the increasing rate of discovery of new receptors and receptor subtypes and newer more potent and/or selective receptor ligands and drugs, there will be an accompanying need for the design and development of new highly potent and selective fluorescent ligands to aid in the investigation of the physiological and pathophysiological functions of these new receptors and also in the development of drugs acting specifically at these receptors. This review presents a background of development of selected fluorescent ligands, primarily those for small molecule and small peptide based ligands. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.