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IVT
receptor occupancy
Percentage of neurotransmitter receptors bound by a medication at a given dose.
Full Definition
Percentage of neurotransmitter receptors bound by a medication at a given dose, typically measured using neuroimaging techniques. In psychopharmacology, receptor occupancy helps predict both therapeutic effects and side effects. For example, antipsychotics require 60-80% dopamine D2 receptor occupancy for efficacy, but occupancy above 80% increases risk of extrapyramidal symptoms. Understanding receptor occupancy helps clinicians optimize dosing and predict dose-response relationships.
Usage
Usage note: Often expressed as a percentage. Distinguish from 'receptor affinity' which measures binding strength.
In Context
- "PET imaging revealed 75% dopamine receptor occupancy at the current antipsychotic dose." — Research study report
- "High receptor occupancy correlated with increased risk of movement side effects." — Clinical research paper
Also known as
receptor binding
receptor saturation
Contrasted with
receptor availability
Don't confuse with
receptor affinity
receptor density