On internalization of hormone-receptor complex and receptor recycling

Experimental evidence for recycling of receptors and for discontinuous internalization of the hormone-receptor complex by endocytosis, suggests a number of variations on this theme. Simulations based on models of these processes show the possible effects of the variations and suggest experimental strategies. Two examples from the experimental literature are explored. The new parameters associated with endocytosis are threshold for internalization of clusters of the complex, composition of clusters with respect to the complex and uncomplexed receptor and rate constant for cluster formation.