Selective receptor modulator

Selective receptor modulator is a type of drug that can either block or stimulate the same receptor in the body, depending on the context of the receptor's state and the tissue in which the receptor is located. These drugs are designed to have selective activity at the receptor sites within the body to produce desired effects without causing unwanted side effects.

Mechanism of Action

Selective receptor modulators work by binding to specific receptors in the body. The binding of these drugs to their receptors can either activate or inhibit the receptor's function, depending on the drug and the specific receptor. This selective action allows these drugs to have beneficial effects in certain tissues while avoiding unwanted effects in other tissues.

Types of Selective Receptor Modulators

There are several types of selective receptor modulators, including:

• Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): These drugs bind to estrogen receptors in the body and can either block or stimulate their activity. SERMs are used to treat a variety of conditions, including breast cancer, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms.

• Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs): SARMs bind to androgen receptors and can either block or stimulate their activity. They are used in the treatment of conditions such as muscle wasting diseases and osteoporosis.

• Selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs): SPRMs bind to progesterone receptors and can either block or stimulate their activity. They are used in the treatment of conditions such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis.

Clinical Uses

Selective receptor modulators have a wide range of clinical uses, depending on the specific type of drug and the condition it is being used to treat. For example, SERMs are commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer and osteoporosis, while SARMs are used to treat muscle wasting diseases and osteoporosis. SPRMs are used in the treatment of uterine fibroids and endometriosis.

Side Effects

As with all drugs, selective receptor modulators can cause side effects. The specific side effects will depend on the type of drug and the individual patient. However, because these drugs are designed to be selective in their action, they are generally associated with fewer side effects than non-selective drugs.

See Also

• Pharmacology
• Receptor (biochemistry)
• Drug design