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Competitive Receptor Binding

Meaning

Competitive receptor binding describes a foundational pharmacological principle where two or more distinct molecules, such as an endogenous hormone and an exogenous therapeutic agent, vie for the identical binding site on a cellular receptor protein. The successful occupation of the receptor is determined by the relative concentrations and the intrinsic binding affinity of each competing ligand. This competition dictates which molecule will successfully activate or block the receptor, thereby controlling the subsequent biological response. The dynamic balance of this competition is key to the therapeutic effect of many hormone-modulating drugs.