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Neurotransmitter Sensitivity

Meaning

Neurotransmitter sensitivity describes the degree to which a neuron’s postsynaptic receptor is responsive to the binding of a specific neurotransmitter, which are chemical messengers facilitating communication across synapses. This sensitivity is a dynamic biological parameter regulated by receptor density, receptor affinity, and the internal signaling pathways of the neuron. Alterations in sensitivity, rather than just concentration, can profoundly affect mood, sleep, cognition, and overall central nervous system function.