Fundamental principles of pharmacology 2

Question 1

What is the shape of the graph of a response vs [drug]?

Answer 1

Rectangular hyperbola

Question 2

What is the shape of the graph of response vs log[drug]

Answer 2

Symmetrical sigmoid

Question 3

What is EC50 in pharmacology?

Answer 3

The log of the concentration of the drug required to produce half of the maximum response

Question 4

What is the affinity of a drug for its receptor?

Answer 4

The molar concentration of the drug required to occupy 50% of the receptors at equilibrium; Kd

Question 5

Why does an agonist have efficacy?

Answer 5

It can activate the receptor - causing a conformational change in its structure.

Question 6

What are full agonists?

Answer 6

Agonists which have a high efficacy

Question 7

What are partial agonists?

Answer 7

Agonists which have a low efficacy

Question 8

Why does an antagonist have affinity but not efficacy?

Answer 8

Because it can bind to a receptor (has affinity) but not activate it (not efficacy).