Drugs as organizers of cell populations

Abstract

   The aim of the review is to draw attention to the multifaceted biological action of medications, especially their infl uence on direct intercellular interactions.   The data are summarized on the fact that common medications such as dopamine, glutamic acid, melatonin, phenylephrine-containing agents can, depending on the stimulated receptors, both organize and disorganize intercellular connections. The action can be predicted considering information on agonism or antagonism of receptor eff ects on intracellular calcium or cAMP. Information is provided on the possibility of mitigating unwanted eff ects. The data on the prospects of using gangliosides in therapy are summarized.