Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Drug-induced Sensitization of Adenylyl Cyclase: Assay Streamlining and Miniaturization for Small Molecule and siRNA Screening Applications
Published on: January 27, 2014
Desensitization at the interface
1Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, SHM B-251, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA. james.howe@yale.edu
Abstract:
Normal brain function requires the faithful transmission and integration of information on a timescale of milliseconds, and this rapid signaling is mediated by cell membrane receptors that are ligand-gated ion channels. Fast excitatory transmission occurs when synaptically released glutamate opens channels in neighboring neurons, but these channels desensitize rapidly during sustained high-frequency firing. Recent structural data have begun to provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie channel activation and desensitization.
Related Concept Videos
Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
Several...
GPCR Desensitization
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Sensation
Absolute thresholds can quantify the sensitivity of sensory...
Somatosensation

