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Receptor Site Sensitivity

Meaning

Receptor Site Sensitivity describes the affinity and responsiveness of cellular receptors to their specific circulating ligands, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, quantified by the concentration required to elicit a measurable biological response (EC50). In endocrinology, alterations in sensitivity, either up-regulation or down-regulation, dictate the overall effectiveness of hormone signaling pathways within target tissues. This concept is central to understanding conditions like insulin resistance.