Internalization refers to the process by which cells absorb external substances, such as drugs or neurotransmitters, through their membrane and incorporate them into their internal environment. This process is crucial for understanding how drugs exert their effects on the brain and body, as it can alter receptor activity and cellular signaling pathways. Internalization can lead to changes in receptor density on the cell surface, impacting how a cell responds to both endogenous signals and pharmacological agents.
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