Receptorérzékenységi

Receptorérzékenységi (receptor sensitivity) refers to the capacity of a cell’s surface or intracellular receptors to respond to ligands such as hormones, neurotransmitters, drugs, or other signaling molecules. High sensitivity means that relatively low concentrations of a ligand elicit a strong signal, while low sensitivity requires higher ligand levels to achieve the same effect. This property is crucial for maintaining physiological homeostasis and for the proper functioning of endocrine, nervous, and immune systems.

The sensitivity of a receptor is governed by several factors. Ligand binding affinity, receptor density on the cell surface, post‑translational modifications of the receptor, and coupling efficiency to downstream signaling pathways all contribute to the overall responsiveness. Additionally, regulatory mechanisms such as receptor desensitization, internalization, and down‑regulation can dynamically alter sensitivity in response to continuous or repeated stimulation.

Receptor sensitivity has significant clinical implications. Altered sensitivity can lead to metabolic disorders (e.g., insulin resistance), hypertension (e.g., altered adrenergic receptor responsiveness), and psychiatric conditions (e.g., serotonin receptor sensitivity). Pharmacologic agents often target receptor sensitivity to achieve therapeutic effects, and the concept is central in pharmacodynamics and personalized medicine. In drug development, measuring receptor sensitivity allows researchers to predict efficacy, optimize dosing regimens, and identify potential side‑effects. Receptorérzékenységi is therefore a key concept in physiology, pharmacology, and translational research.