The decreased number of hormone receptors in the cells in response to long-term high concentrations of the extracellular messengers in blood is called
A) receptor up-regulation
B) receptor saturation
C) receptor competitive inhibition
D) receptor down-regulation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When there are long-term high concentrations of extracellular messengers in blood, the cells can decrease the number of hormone receptors in response. This is known as receptor down-regulation. Option A, receptor up-regulation, would be the opposite effect, where the cells increase the number of receptors in response to low hormone levels. Option B, receptor saturation, refers to when all the receptors are already occupied by hormones, and additional hormone molecules cannot bind. Option C, receptor competitive inhibition, occurs when a molecule other than the hormone binds to the receptor, preventing the hormone from binding.

The Decreased Number of Hormone Receptors in the Cells in Response