What it means
A protein that works like a lock: only certain chemicals, the keys, fit it. When a neurotransmitterNOOR-oh-trans-mit-erA chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.neur/o nervetrans- acrossmitt send-er one that doesFull entry , hormone or drug binds to its receptor, the cell responds. A drug that binds and switches a receptor on is an agonist; one that binds and blocks it is an antagonist. For example, opioids act on opioid receptors, and naloxonenuh-LOK-sohnA drug that blocks the effects of opioids at their receptors.Full entry blocks the same receptors. Sense organs also have receptors, for touch, pain, light and sound.
For the nurse
Knowing which receptor a drug acts on explains its effects and side effects, such as why a beta blocker slows the heart.
Remember it
Receptor receives: it is the lock that a drug or hormone key fits.
At a glance
| Spanish | receptor |
|---|---|
| Also written | receptors |
Related terms
neurotransmitter
A chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.
pharmacokinetics
How the body takes in, spreads, changes and gets rid of a drug over time.
adrenergic agonist
A drug that acts like epinephrine or norepinephrine on the body's adrenergic receptors.
naloxone
A drug that blocks the effects of opioids at their receptors.