Nonlinear Concepts in Pharmacodynamics

we provide new insights that may aid in understanding the variety of oscillations displayed in biological systems and how they may be related to the maintenance or loss of control in such systems. Examples of periodic phenomena abound in biological systems, in many cases due to fluctuations of ligand interacting with a receptor. 

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An important outcome of these studies is the opportunity that it offers to discuss the implications of the presence of nonlinear dynamics in processes such as the secretion of cortisol. Based on the aforementioned discussion it is evident that the concepts of deterministic nonlinear dynamics should be adopted in pharmacodynamic modeling when supported by experimental and physiologic data. This is valid not only for the sake of more detailed study, but mainly because nonlinear dynamics suggest a whole new rationale fundamentally different from the classical approach. Moreover, the clinical pharmacologist should be aware of the limitations of chaotic models for long-term prediction, which is contrary to the routine use of classical models. 

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