INTERCELLULAR COMMUNICATION-RECEPTORS
From NeuroRehab.wiki
SUMMARY
1. The recognition of chemical messengers by cells depends on interaction with receptors.
2. When a hormone/neurotransmitter is present in excess, the number of active receptors is down-regulated. This occurs through internalization or desensitization.
3. Internalization: receptor-mediated endocytosis decreases the number of available receptors.
4. Desensitization: receptors are modified in ways that make them less responsive.
5. When a messenger is deficient, there is an increase in the number of active receptors.
Reference(s)
Barrett, K.E., Barman, S.M., Brooks, H.L., X, J. and Ganong, W.F. (2019). Ganong’s review of medical physiology. 26th ed. New York: Mcgraw-Hill Education
