Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
Slow antagonist dissociation and long-lasting in vivo receptor protection
Georges Vauquelin1, Isabelle Van Liefde
1Department of Molecular and Biochemical Pharmacology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium. gvauquel@vub.ac.be
Abstract:
The ability of antagonists to form slowly dissociating complexes with their cognate receptors has repeatedly been proposed to contribute to their long-lasting clinical actions. Yet specific conditions seem to be necessary for this to take place. The elimination rate of the free antagonist and the variation of agonist concentration with time have important roles. Slowly dissociating antagonists are likely to exert longer efficient receptor protection in vivo than are fast-dissociating antagonists when the half-life of the antagonist-receptor complex exceeds that of the free antagonist. However, when the half-life of the free antagonist prevails, longer effective protection by slowly dissociating antagonists occurs only if the receptor is exposed to rapid fluctuations in free agonist concentration.
Related Concept Videos
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Reversible agents containing quaternary amines, such as neostigmine and edrophonium, are not easily absorbed orally because they are...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Mechanism of Action
Reversible inhibitors like edrophonium bind to a specific part of the enzyme called the anionic catalytic site. They form noncovalent bonds, which means they are not strongly attached to the enzyme. This creates a temporary and less stable enzyme–inhibitor complex, leading to...
Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
Several...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Reversible inhibitors display short to medium durations of action. Short-acting agents include simple alcohols with...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Drug-Receptor Interaction: Antagonist
Antagonists can be classified as competitive or noncompetitive based on their...

