What is target cell insensitivity?

What is target cell insensitivity?

• A. Increased Hormone Production
• B. Normal Response to Hormones
• C. Similar Effects as Hyposecretion
• D. Rapid Metabolism of Hormones

Answer: (C)

Target cell insensitivity occurs when target tissues do not respond to a hormone despite its presence—often because receptor numbers are reduced, receptors are desensitized, or the intracellular signaling pathways are defective. When the signal from the hormone isn’t effectively translated into a cellular response, the overall effect resembles what you’d see if the hormone were deficient, i.e., hyposecretion. The hormone may be normal in amount, but the tissue’s response is blunted or absent. That’s why this option aligns with the idea of insensitivity. In contrast, increased hormone production would amplify responses, a normal response indicates adequate sensitivity, and rapid hormone metabolism changes hormone levels rather than the target’s responsiveness.

Target cell insensitivity occurs when target tissues do not respond to a hormone despite its presence—often because receptor numbers are reduced, receptors are desensitized, or the intracellular signaling pathways are defective. When the signal from the hormone isn’t effectively translated into a cellular response, the overall effect resembles what you’d see if the hormone were deficient, i.e., hyposecretion. The hormone may be normal in amount, but the tissue’s response is blunted or absent. That’s why this option aligns with the idea of insensitivity. In contrast, increased hormone production would amplify responses, a normal response indicates adequate sensitivity, and rapid hormone metabolism changes hormone levels rather than the target’s responsiveness.