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Receptor Downstream Effects

Meaning

Receptor Downstream Effects refer to the entire cascade of intracellular biochemical and physiological changes that occur within a target cell immediately following the binding of a hormone or neurotransmitter to its specific cell-surface or intracellular receptor. This sequence of events translates the external chemical signal into a functional cellular response, such as altered gene expression, enzyme activation, or membrane permeability changes. These effects are the true measure of a hormone’s biological impact, extending far beyond its simple concentration in the bloodstream. Understanding these complex pathways is essential for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.