essential pharmacology 2

Question 1

what is an agonist and what is an antagonist?

Answer 1

agonist- a molecule which will mimic the normal response of a receptor. same affinity, efficacy
antagonist- a molecule which will block the normal action of a receptor. same affinity, low efficacy
partial agonist- same affinity, decreased efficacy

Question 2

affinity

Answer 2

determined by strength of attraction between drug and receptor. Low EC50 means high affinity.
EC50= half maximal response

Question 3

efficacy

Answer 3

determined by how well the drug can activate the receptor.