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Receptor Agonist Function

Meaning

Receptor Agonist Function describes the capacity of a molecule, either an endogenous hormone or an exogenous therapeutic agent, to bind to a specific cellular receptor and initiate a full or partial biological response, thereby mimicking or enhancing the action of the natural ligand. In endocrinology, understanding the agonist function of a compound is crucial for predicting its impact on cellular signaling and subsequent physiological effects. A full agonist elicits the maximum possible response, while a partial agonist provides a sub-maximal effect. This is the fundamental language of hormonal communication.