The review describes gastrointestinal receptors which are of therapeutic interest for the treatment of motility disorders. It updates the present knowledge on muscarinic, adrenergic, dopamine, opioid and dihydropyridine receptors, their subtypes, cellular sites and functional role as drug targets. On the basis of this pharmacological receptor concept, drugs like bethanechol, clonidine, lidamidine, metoclopramide, domperidone, cisapride, loperamide and nifedipine are evaluated in proven and potential indications. In view of the very complex regulation of motility, our understanding of receptors is still fragmentary and our tools to treat motility disorders do not fulfil all therapeutic requirements. This review tries to point out the areas of particular need for further basic research and the prospects of further drug development.