What is the function of receptors in pharmacology?

Receptors play a crucial role in pharmacology as they are specific proteins located on the surface of cells or within cells that can bind to drugs or endogenous substances such as hormones and neurotransmitters. When a drug binds to its receptor, it initiates a biological response, which can lead to therapeutic effects or side effects. This binding mechanism is the foundation for how many medications exert their effects in the body.

For instance, when a drug attaches to a receptor, it can activate or block signaling pathways that lead to various physiological responses, helping to correct an imbalance or alleviate a specific condition. This interaction between a drug and its receptor is fundamental to the field of pharmacodynamics, which studies the effects of drugs on biological systems. Understanding this relationship allows healthcare professionals to predict how drugs will behave in the body and how they can be used effectively in treatment plans.