27 Desensitization (tachyphylaxis) in signalling pathways
When cells are exposed continuously to an extracellular messenger or drug, they can often become increasingly resistant to stimulation. This loss of sensitivity is known as desensitization or tachyphylaxis when it occurs acutely over a few minutes, and tolerance or resistance when occurring over a period of days or weeks. Desensitization can take two forms. When sensitivity is lost to a single extracellular agonist, this is known as homologous desensitization (Fig. 3.27.1). When sensitivity is lost to multiple stimulating agonists in response to the presence of a single stimulating agonist, this is known as heterologous desensitization (Fig. 3.27.2).
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
