Pharmacodynamics

A comprehensive set of flashcards summarizing key concepts and definitions from the pharmacodynamics lecture notes.

What is pharmacodynamics?

Study of how a drug

affects biochemical,

molecular,

and

physiological processes in the body.

What do ligand-gated ion channels do?

Open and close

in response

to the binding of a ligand,

facilitating rapid neurotransmitter responses.

What are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)?

The largest and most diverse category of cell surface receptors.

• They respond to a wide range of ligands.

• They activate signaling pathways inside the cell.

What are the effects of agonists on receptors?

Agonists bind to receptors

and

activate them,

producing a biological response.

What is the difference between full agonists and partial agonists?

Full agonists have high affinity and efficacy (IA = 1).

Partial agonists have high affinity but low efficacy (IA < 1).

What are enzyme-linked receptors?

Crucial for the function of hormones, growth factors, and cytokines.

• Usually participate in the process of dimerization.

• Activate kinases to trigger signaling pathways.

What do nuclear receptors do?

Ligand-activated transcription factors

interact

directly with DNA to modify gene expression.

What is a dose-response relationship?

The relationship

between the dose of a drug

and

its associated effects.

What is EC50?

EC50 is the concentration

required to produce 50%

of the maximal response (Emax) for a drug.

What does the therapeutic index (TI) indicate?

The therapeutic index

indicates the safety of a drug,

representing the margin between therapeutic and toxic doses.