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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice
Published on: June 25, 2012
The airway cholinergic system: physiology and pharmacology
1Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, Reuterstrasse 2b, D-53113 Bonn, Germany. racke.kurt@uni-bonn.de
Abstract:
The present review summarizes the current knowledge of the cholinergic systems in the airways with special emphasis on the role of acetylcholine both as neurotransmitter in ganglia and postganglionic parasympathetic nerves and as non-neuronal paracrine mediator. The different cholinoceptors, various nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, as well as their signalling mechanisms are presented. The complex ganglionic and prejunctional mechanisms controlling the release of acetylcholine are explained, and it is discussed whether changes in transmitter release could be involved in airway dysfunctions. The effects of acetylcholine on different target cells, smooth muscles, nerves, surface epithelial and secretory cells as well as mast cells are described in detail, including the receptor subtypes involved in signal transmission.
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