Dictionary of Biological Psychology
Tolerance can develop for different reasons: BEHAVIOURAL TOLERANCE describes mechanisms of tolerance that are behavioural or psychological. Cellular tolerance involves adaptation of function in cells. Given that tolerance develops in the face of administration of a standard amount of DRUG, drug dose cannot be involved in the development of tolerance, and DRUG METABOLISM is unlikely to be involved.
Cellular tolerance accounts for tolerance in terms of changes in, for example, RECEPTORS or SECOND MESSENGERS. Cellular tolerance is also known as PHARMACODYNAMIC TOLERANCE.
Reference
Feldman R., Meyer J.S. & Quenzer, L.F. (1997) Principles of Neuropsychopharmacology, Sinauer Associates: Sunderland MA.
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