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Receptor Up-Regulation

Meaning

Receptor Up-Regulation is a fundamental, homeostatic physiological process where a target cell increases the number of specific receptors displayed on its cell surface or sequestered within its cytoplasm in response to external stimuli, most commonly a chronically low concentration of the corresponding hormone or ligand. This adaptive mechanism significantly enhances the cell’s overall sensitivity to the signal, ensuring that a sufficient biological response can be successfully elicited even when the circulating concentration of the activating hormone is diminished. Clinically, understanding and manipulating this process can be utilized to improve the therapeutic efficacy of administered hormonal agents.