A popular and generally accepted hypothesis that appears to explain many pharmacodynamic phenomena holds that specialized
protein molecules on the surfaces of cells provide a "fit" for an intrinsic molecule (such as a hormone or neurotransmitter) or a drug such that when that molecule occupies (binds to) that area, it leads to a biochemical or physiologic
response. This idea is often compared to the operation of a lock (receptor)
by a key (ligand).
Some specific receptors:
- Adrenergic (alpha1, alpha2, beta1)
- Dopaminergic
(D1, D2)
- Histaminic (H1)
- Muscarinic (M)
- Opioid
- Serotonergic presynaptic
(5HT1A, 5HT1D), postsynaptic (5TH1A, 5HT1D,
5HT2A, 5HT2C, 5HT3, 5HT4...)
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