What is the Origin of Receptor Sensitivity Reversal?

This term pairs 'receptor sensitivity,' the measure of a cell's response threshold, with 'reversal,' indicating a return to a prior, more responsive state. It is frequently discussed in the context of pharmacological tolerance or chronic hyperinsulinemia, where cellular machinery adapts negatively to persistent signaling overload.

What is the Mechanism of Receptor Sensitivity Reversal?

Reversal often involves internalizing or degrading the over-stimulated receptors, thereby reducing the total cellular population available for ligand binding, effectively lowering the signal threshold. Alternatively, interventions might focus on modulating the post-receptor signaling components, such as phosphatases or kinases, which may have become constitutively active or inhibited. Successful reversal restores the appropriate signal amplification capacity.

Receptor Sensitivity Reversal ∞ Area

Receptor Sensitivity Reversal

Meaning

Receptor Sensitivity Reversal is the therapeutic or physiological process of restoring target cell receptor responsiveness that has been diminished due to chronic overstimulation or sustained ligand exposure, a condition often termed desensitization or resistance. In endocrinology, this specifically addresses states like insulin resistance where target cells fail to respond adequately to normal circulating hormone levels. The reversal aims to re-sensitize the cell membrane or intracellular machinery.