This equation is used when X values are logarithms of doses or concentrations. Use a related equation when X values are  concentrations or doses.

Introduction

Many log(dose) response curves follow the familiar symmetrical sigmoidal shape.

If you have good control data, it can make sense to normalize the response to run between 0% and 100%. This model assumes that the data have been normalized, so forces the curve to run from 0% to 100%. The goal is to determine the EC50 of the agonist - the concentration that provokes a response equal to 50%.

It only makes sense to fit a normalized model when you are sure you have defined 0% and 100% quite accurately. If your data define a complete sigmoidal curve, it is best to fit the entire curve and let Prism fit the Top and Bottom plateaus. If your data don't form a full sigmoidal curve, but you can define the bottom and top by solid control data, then fitting to a normalized model is preferable.

Many dose-response curves have a standard slope of 1.0. This model does not assume a standard slope but rather fits the Hill Slope from the data, and so is called a Variable slope model. This is preferable when you have plenty of data points.

Step by step

Create an XY data table. Enter the logarithm of the concentration of the agonist into X. Enter response into Y in any convenient units. Enter one data set into column A, and use columns B, C... for different treatments, if needed.

If you prefer to enter concentrations, rather than the logarithm of concentrations, use Prism to transform the X values to logs.

From the data table, click Analyze, choose nonlinear regression, choose the panel of equations "Dose-response curves - Stimulation" and then choose the equation "log(Agonist) vs. normalized response -- Variable slope".

Model

Y=100/(1+10^((LogEC50-X)*HillSlope))

 

 

Interpret the parameters

EC50 is the concentration of agonist that gives a response half way between Bottom and Top. This is not the same as the response at Y=50. Depending on which units Y is expressed in, and the values of Bottom and Top, the EC50 may give a response nowhere near "50". Prism reports both the EC50 and its log.

HillSlope describes the steepness of the family of curves. A HillSlope of 1.0 is standard, and you should consider constraining the Hill Slope to a constant value of 1.0.