SELECTIVE AGONIST Meaning and
Definition
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A selective agonist can be defined as a type of drug or compound that selectively binds to and activates a specific receptor in the body, producing a desired biological response while minimizing unwanted effects. Agonists, in general, are substances that stimulate a receptor and elicit a functional response. However, unlike non-selective agonists, selective agonists exhibit a degree of specificity towards a particular subtype or subtype combination of receptors, ignoring or having reduced activity on other receptor subtypes.
This selectivity is primarily achieved through the molecular structure and properties of the selective agonist, allowing it to bind specifically to the target receptor(s) with high affinity. By binding to the receptor, the selective agonist triggers a cascade of cellular events, leading to the activation of cellular pathways and the expression of specific biological effects associated with that receptor.
The development of selective agonists holds remarkable therapeutic potential as it enables highly tailored treatments with reduced off-target effects. By selectively activating a desired receptor, the selectivity agonist can produce a therapeutic effect, such as pain relief or physiological regulation, while minimizing the activation of other receptors that could lead to undesired side effects or complications.
Selective agonists play a significant role in various branches of medicine, including neurology, cardiology, and endocrinology. They are extensively studied and utilized in the design of novel drugs to target specific receptors and address a wide range of disorders and diseases.
Etymology of SELECTIVE AGONIST
The word "selective" is derived from the Latin word "selectus", which roughly translates to "choosy" or "picked out". It refers to the ability to choose carefully or discriminate.
The term "agonist" in pharmacology refers to a chemical substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, initiating a specific biological response. The word "agonist" comes from the Greek word "agōnistḗs", which means "competitor" or "contestant".
When combined, "selective agonist" refers to a substance that selectively binds to a specific receptor subtype and activates it, leading to a targeted biological response. In this context, "selective" emphasizes the specific or preferential binding of the agonist to certain receptors rather than others.
