Kinetic behavior of a receptor–enzyme system: a model for drug addiction

A theoretical kinetic model describing the behavior of a receptor–enzyme system during formation of drug addiction is considered in this article. The model assumes concomitant action of narcotic on at least two targets with opposite effects. Theoretical kinetic principles that the system must satisfy for the development of drug addiction are formulated. These kinetic principles are the slow inactivation of receptor–enzyme system and the divergence of characteristic times of dynamic concentration of product and enzyme.