Abstract
In general, there are two types of interactions between effector signaling pathways. 'Homologous' interactions are those that occur within a receptor system to alter its own responsiveness, for example the loss of responsiveness (desensitization) that can occur upon agonist occupancy of a receptor. 'Heterologous' interactions are those that occur between different receptor systems where the responsiveness of one receptor system is regulated (positively or negatively) by activation of another receptor system (i.e., 'cross-talk'), Many, if not all receptors, couple to multiple cellular effector pathways and alterations in the responsiveness of a receptor system can be effector pathway-dependent which underscores the importance of studying each effector coupled to a receptor. Regulation of receptor system responsiveness, and consequently the efficacy of drugs, is a highly dynamic process. Perhaps by exploiting these interactions, new targets for pharmacotherapy may be uncovered which will provide for increased efficacy and specificity of drug action.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 111-120 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 861 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1998 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
- History and Philosophy of Science