What does the term 'spare receptors' refer to?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definition of the term 'spare receptors' in a biological or pharmacological context, specifically highlighting their role and characteristics in receptor occupancy and response.
Answer
Spare receptors are unbound receptors when an agonist achieves maximal biological response.
Spare receptors are receptors that remain unbound when an agonist is producing its maximal biological response.
Answer for screen readers
Spare receptors are receptors that remain unbound when an agonist is producing its maximal biological response.
More Information
Spare receptors are a concept in pharmacology that describes scenarios where not all receptors need to be occupied by an agonist for a maximal effect. This can enhance the duration and intensity of a biological response.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that maximal response equates to all receptors being occupied, when in fact spare receptors mean that not all need to be engaged for that response.
Sources
- Spare receptors | PPT - SlideShare - slideshare.net
- Receptor Reserve - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
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