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Receptor Internalization Dynamics

Meaning

The complex, time-dependent cellular process by which hormone receptors located on the cell surface are actively moved into the cell’s interior via endocytosis following prolonged or intense ligand binding. This process is a crucial homeostatic mechanism for regulating the sensitivity of a target cell to circulating hormones, preventing over-stimulation, and allowing for receptor recycling or degradation. Understanding these dynamics is essential for optimizing the dosing and timing of hormonal therapies. This phenomenon explains why continuous high-dose exposure can lead to cellular desensitization.