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Cellular Receptor Occupancy

Meaning

Cellular Receptor Occupancy is the quantifiable fraction or percentage of specific cellular receptors bound by a hormone, drug, or signaling molecule at a given time. This metric is the direct determinant of the biological response magnitude, as signaling cascades are initiated only upon successful ligand-receptor binding. Achieving optimal occupancy is the clinical goal of hormonal replacement therapy, ensuring a sufficient yet non-desensitizing level of stimulation. The physiological effects of a hormone are directly proportional to the number of occupied receptors.