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Cellular Response Attenuation

Meaning

Cellular Response Attenuation describes a physiological state where a cell’s sensitivity to an external signal, such as a hormone or neurotransmitter, is diminished or reduced. This process represents a form of biological desensitization, where the magnitude of the cellular reaction to a stimulus is less pronounced than normal. Clinically, this is often observed in conditions like insulin resistance or chronic stress, where prolonged, high-level signaling leads to receptor down-regulation. It fundamentally impacts the precision and efficacy of intercellular communication, leading to functional endocrine compromise.