Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Quantifying Agonist Activity at G Protein-coupled Receptors
Published on: December 26, 2011
Estimating the parameters of the operational model of pharmacological agonism
1Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Mathematical Statistics, Lund University, Sweden. attila.frigyesi@kard.lu.se
Abstract:
The aim of this work is practical. We show that the parameters of the widely used operational model of pharmacological agonism are difficult to estimate from single dose-response curves. The parameters can be estimated using pairs of dose-response curves (usually treatment and control) sharing some parameters. Confidence bands for the estimators are developed. In the case of multiple dose-response curve pairs one can employ a non-linear mixed effects model to allow for inter-individual variation. The point estimates and the confidence intervals thus obtained are similar to the more naive construction based on mean and standard errors of parameter estimates. To test for difference of certain parameters between treatment and control we employ a permutation test and Wald's test.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Agonism and Antagonism: Quantification
To quantify these effects, researchers use a dose-response curve, which provides valuable information about the potency and efficacy of a drug. Potency refers to...
Pharmacodynamic Models: Additive and Proportional Drug Effect Model
Drug-Receptor Interaction: Agonist
Agonists can bind to receptors in different ways. Some agonists bind directly to the receptor's active site, mimicking the endogenous ligand's action.
Pharmacodynamic Models: Direct Effect Model and Indirect Response Model
The Two-State Receptor Model
The binding affinity of a drug determines its interaction with one...
Pharmacodynamic Models: Emax Drug–Concentration Effect Model

