partial agonist

a substance that binds to a receptor but fails to produce the same degree of response as a full agonist at the same receptor site or exerts only part of the action exerted by the endogenous neurotransmitter that it mimics. Partial agonists may exhibit the same affinity for the receptor site as do full agonists and may act as competitive inhibitors of full agonists. Minor variations in the chemical structure of either the receptor or the binding substance may dictate whether the substance acts as a full or partial agonist at any particular receptor site.

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Psychology term of the day

February 19th 2025

scotomization

n. in psychoanalytic theory, the tendency to ignore or be blind to impulses or memories that would threaten the individual’s ego. Scotomization is a defensive process and may also be a form of resistance. Also called scotomatization. See also blind spot.