Glossary of Pharmacology 

Agonist

A ligand that binds to a receptor and triggers a biological response. An agonist triggers a conformational change in the receptor to initiate a signalling cascade that translates into a biological effect. 

Example:

Salbutamol is an agonist that binds to β₂-adrenergic receptors in the bronchi and activates the receptor leading to bronchodilation.

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