Locks and keys: receptor specificity, agonists and antagonists
Explains why each transmitter affects only its own receptors — and how drugs copy or jam the key.
Dónde encajaSe conecta con 1 · Desbloquea 2
- Se conecta con
- The synapse: release, binding and termination — This zooms into step 4 of the synapse: binding.
- Desbloquea
- Fast doors and slow keypads: ionotropic and metabotropic receptors — Next: what happens after the lock turns — doors versus keypads.
- Dopamine: receptor families, clearance and pathways — Antipsychotics are D2 antagonists — keys that jam the lock.
Orientarse
Receptors are like locks. Unlocking the receptor = changing electrical potential of post-synaptic neuron (either excitatory or inhibitory). Neurotransmitters are like keys. Not all neurotransmitters bind to all receptors: specific receptors for specific NTs — serotonin binds to serotonin receptors, but not dopamine receptors. Drugs can mimic the key (agonist) or block the lock (antagonist).
Términos del curso
Las palabras de tu profesor, tal cual aparecen en las diapositivas. Aprende el término y esta definición; la explicación de abajo solo ayuda a entenderla.
- Receptor (lock)
“Receptors are like locks. Unlocking the receptor = changing electrical potential of post-synaptic neuron (either excitatory or inhibitory)”Diapositivas 02, p. 21
Binding changes the next neuron's electrical state.
- Neurotransmitter (key)
“Neurotransmitters are like keys. They unlock the receptor locks.”Diapositivas 02, p. 21
The endogenous key.
- Receptor specificity
“Not all neurotransmitters bind to all receptors. Specific receptors for specific NTs.”Diapositivas 02, p. 21
Serotonin binds to serotonin receptors, but not dopamine receptors.
- Agonist
“Drug binds to receptor and acts similarly to (mimics) endogenous neurotransmitter”Diapositivas 05, p. 9
A copied key that turns the lock.
- Antagonist
“Drug binds to and blocks receptor preventing endogenous neurotransmitter (and agonist drugs!) from binding entirely or activating fully”Diapositivas 05, p. 13
A key that fits but doesn't turn — it jams the lock.
De tu curso: Course slides 02, p. 21 · Course slides 03, p. 3
Consejo: las teclas ← y → recorren la lección.
Lección completa: Reversible receptor binding