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Bioavailable Ligand Status

Meaning

Bioavailable Ligand Status represents the quantitative concentration of a specific hormonal ligand that is circulating in the systemic bloodstream in an unbound, non-protein-attached state. This status is the most accurate physiological measure of the hormone fraction capable of freely diffusing across cell membranes to interact with intracellular receptors. Clinically, assessing this parameter is crucial because only the bioavailable fraction can exert a biological effect on target tissues, unlike the total hormone concentration, which includes inactive, bound molecules. Maintaining an optimal bioavailable ligand status is paramount for effective endocrine signaling and robust cellular function.