This book represents the first of the ALZA CONFERENCE SERIES which will deal with a wide variety of topics of biomedical interest. These Conferences are planned to cover a range of subjects from the molecular level, such as drug receptor and drug membrane interactions, to the organ and organismal levels and the dynamics of drug therapy. This year's topic is "PROSTAGLANDINS." It is rapidly becoming clear that prosta­ glandins are of great interest and potential utility in therapeutics. An understanding of the role of prostaglandins in the regulation of cell processes should provide insight into the understanding of a variety of difficult and intransigent fields such as cancer, allergy, and transplant rejection. We hope that this Conference may focus attention on novel approaches to these areas. We wish to thank our distinguished Chairmen and guests for their attendance. The papers and dis­ cussions were prepared by Yvonne Hendrickson, using an ATS/360 Text-Editing System; we acknowledge with gratitude her skill, patience, and hard work. P.W.R. B.B.P.