Agonists 101: Understanding the Types and Effects of Endogenous and Exogenous Substances in the Body

agonists

drugs that work to activate receptors and increase activity in the brain

Agonists are substances that activate specific receptors in the body to produce a specific physiological response. These substances can be endogenous (produced by the body) or exogenous (administered from outside the body).

For example, neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are agonists that activate specific receptors in the brain to produce feelings of pleasure or happiness. Exogenous agonists include drugs like morphine, which activate opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and a feeling of euphoria.

Agonists can also be classified based on their degree of efficacy, or the ability to activate a receptor. Full agonists bind to a receptor and produce the maximal response, while partial agonists produce a submaximum response even when the receptors are fully occupied.

Understanding the properties and actions of agonists is important in drug development, as they can be used to treat various medical conditions by selectively targeting specific receptors in the body. However, agonists can also have adverse effects, such as addiction and dependence, when used inappropriately.

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