Glossary / Lexicon

Agonist refers to a drug that effectively mimics the action of a natural chemical messenger within the body.

An agonist is a substance that binds to a receptor and triggers a response in the cell. An agonist is the opposite of an antagonist in the sense that while an antagonist also binds to the receptor, it fails to activate the receptor and actually blocks it from activation by agonists. A partial agonist activates a receptor but does not cause as much of a physiological change as does a full agonist. The receptors of the human body work by being stimulated or inhibited by natural (such as hormones and neurotransmitters) or synthetic (such as drugs) agonists and antagonists.
For example, in treating Parkinson disease, the long-used drug levodopa can cause uncontrollable, jerky body movements called dyskinesias that can inhibit a person's ability to function. Dopamine agonists mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain by stimulating dopamine receptors with a lower risk of the uncontrollable and irreversible dyskinesias often associated with levodopa therapy. The word "agonist" comes from the Late Latin agnista, contender, from the Greek agnists, contestant, from agn, contest. An agonist is a chemical contestant or contender.

Agonist refers to a muscle or muscle group that is described as being primarily responsible for a specific joint movement when contracting.

Other definition:
Agonist is a term used in neuroscience that refers to a chemical substance that effectively increases the activity of a Neurotransmitter by imitating its effects.

Articles with 'Agonist' in the title

• Agonist substitution: Agonist substitution refers to the replacement of a drug on which a person is dependent with, with another one that has a similar chemical makeup, an agonist
• Agonistic displays: Agonistic displays refers to threatening gestures, stares, poses, or displays intended to intimidate others
• Alpha 2-adrenergic agonist: Alpha 2-adrenergic agonist refers to a drug that reduces the activity of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine by stimulating certain receptors within the central nervous system (central presynaptic alpha 2-adrenergic receptors)
• Antagonist: Antagonist is a term in Neuroscience which is a chemical substance that decreases or blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter. Other /More definition: Antagonist is a term in Neuroscience that refers to a chemical substance that decreases . . .
• Antagonist drug: Antagonist drug: Antagonist drug refers to medication that blocks or counteracts the effects of a psychoactive drug.
• Antagonist drugs: Antagonist drugs refer to drugs that block or change the effects of an addictive drug, reducing the desire for the drug. Moreover, Antagonist drugs are medication that blocks or counteracts the effects of a psychoactive drug
• Beta receptor agonist (ß-agonist): Beta receptor agonist (ß-agonist) : Beta receptor agonist (ß-agonist) refers to a molecule that is capable of binding to and activating a beta receptor
• Inverse agonist: Inverse agonist: inverse agonist is a term in Neuroscience which refers to a chemical substance that produces effects opposite those of a particular neurotransmitter
• Protagonist: Protagonist in the psychology context refers to the central character or leading figure in a person's narrative or life story, often representing the self or the individual's perspective on their own experiences and actions

Weblinks

• fitness-and-health-glossary.com: 'Agonist' in the fitness-and-health-glossary.com

Summary

An agonist in psychology refers to a substance that binds to a specific receptor in the brain and activates it, producing a biological response. Agonists work by mimicking the role of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to increased signaling activity. This can result in a range of effects, such as improved mood, reduced pain, or enhanced cognitive function. Common examples of agonists include certain medications used to treat mental health disorders, such as antidepressants and anxiolytics. By targeting specific receptors in the brain, agonists can help restore balance and function to the central nervous system.

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