This book provides current knowledge on the influence of endogenous opioid peptides on blood pressure regulation. In view of the rapid increase in knowledge in the field, it is important that scientists in blood pressure research as well as specialist clinicians have access to such a comprehensive survey. The book is divided into sections on neuroanatomy, where both the central and peripheral nervous systems are considered; on physiology and pharmacology, whereby experiments with intact animals as well as with histologic preparations are described; and on clinical questions, where examinations of normotensive and hypertensive patients as well as experiments on the influence of various drugs are emphasized. The contributions are presented in the form of reviews and single articles which allow the reader to obtain a clear and detailed survey of a range of highly topical subjects.