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How Long Do Newly Formed Receptors Stay After Steroid Treatment?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

Question: I had some steroid treatment in my teenage years for few months to boost my GH and thus boost my height. I understand the possible mechanism to acheive this is upregulating GHRH-R and thus increasing number of these receptors. How long do these newly formed receptors, as a result of treatment, stay on for.......days/weeks months?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: At months months! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. The number of receptors take a down turn shortly after the drug is discontinued and continues thus till it reaches levels considered normal in the general population. How long they last has not been exactly characterized or widely communicated but things all return to normal within months. I am sure it has no further bearings on you since your teenage years at this time. There is no clear cut time for how long they last. we we generally consider that it no longer has any bearing by the time the interval of administration elapses after the last dose administered. This is usually 3-6months. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and please feel free to ask for more information if need be. Thanks. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)

Thank you for answer. I understand receptor numbers go back to normal within months......but which ones are lost, the newly formed ones as result of treatment, or pre existing ones that existed before the treatment?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (16 hours later)

Brief Answer: There is no preference! Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for this follow up precision. In reality, there is no distinction between an old receptor and a new receptor. There is also no preference when receptors are lost. Remember there are no constant receptor present on the surface of a cell but a potential number that can be used. Each time, the building blocks are easily assembled for use. So, it is the building blocks that are increased and readily available for use and not the tag on cell surfaces. Hope this helps. Wish you well. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (5 days later)

Hi there . I have one last question. Some steroids affect the brain and neurotransmitters. How is this effect mediated - through ar receptor upregulation, OR direct effect of steroid on the neurotransmitters itself?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Both mechanisms are possible Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the follow up question. Both mechanisms are possible. One may be more dominant for a particular steroid. Both pathways are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. The specifics of these mechanisms and examples are beyond the scope of this discussion. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Dr. Ditah, MD.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar