What are agonists in the context of neurotransmitter activity?

In the context of neurotransmitter activity, agonists refer to substances that bind to specific receptors on the surface of cells. By attaching to these receptors, agonists mimic the action of naturally occurring neurotransmitters, leading to a biological response. This binding increases the likelihood of the receptor being activated, which can enhance the effects of neurotransmission.

For instance, when a neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft, it can bind to its corresponding receptor on the postsynaptic neuron and trigger various cellular responses. Agonists can effectively boost this process by promoting receptor activation even when the natural neurotransmitter is less available. This mechanism is essential in pharmacology, where various drugs are designed to act as agonists to treat specific conditions by enhancing neurotransmitter activity in the nervous system.