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Receptor Saturation Levels

Meaning

Receptor Saturation Levels refers to the percentage of available cellular receptors that are occupied by their specific ligand, such as a hormone or neurotransmitter, at any given time. This metric is a more direct indicator of actual biological signaling and tissue response than the simple concentration of circulating hormones. Maintaining optimal, but not excessive, saturation levels is critical; undersaturation leads to diminished biological effect, while chronic oversaturation can cause receptor downregulation and reduced cellular sensitivity. Clinically, this level dictates the required hormonal dose.