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Related Concept Videos

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants01:23

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants


Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics01:24

Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics

Cholinergic antagonists—such as antimuscarinics—are available in oral, topical, ocular, parenteral, and inhalational formulations. Most antimuscarinics are oral formulations,  while scopolamine is available as a topical patch, and ipratropium and tiotropium are available as inhalation aerosols or powders. Atropine, tropicamide, and cyclopentolate are topically instilled in the eye. Most antimuscarinics are lipid-soluble and readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and the conjunctiva.
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions00:59

Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions

Direct-acting cholinergic agonists exert their pharmacological actions by mimicking the effects of acetylcholine on postsynaptic muscarinic receptors to generate parasympathetic responses. These agents elicit a range of physiological responses, including cardiovascular effects. For example, activation of muscarinic receptors induces bradycardia, decreased cardiac output, reduced peripheral resistance, and consequent hypotension. In the eye, stimulation of M3 receptors leads to smooth muscle...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship01:22

Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship

Cholinergic agonists or cholinomimetics mimic the action of acetylcholine to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. They are categorized into direct-acting and indirect-acting agents. The direct-acting cholinergic drugs induce the parasympathetic response by directly binding to the muscarinic or nicotine receptors. In comparison, the indirect-acting cholinergic drugs prevent acetylcholine hydrolysis, indirectly contributing to the extended parasympathetic response.
The direct-acting...
Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions01:28

Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions

Antimuscarinic drugs block muscarinic receptors in multiple systems, including the gut, eye, smooth muscles, respiratory tract, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. They produce similar effects with varying selectivity depending on the specific agent and tissue. Here are the key pharmacological actions of antimuscarinics:
Gastrointestinal Effects: Antimuscarinics reduce gut contractions, increase gastric emptying, and slow intestinal transit. They partly inhibit gastric acid secretion...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions01:30

Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions

Indirect-acting cholinergic agonists, also known as anticholinesterases, exert their pharmacological effects by enhancing cholinergic transmission in various body parts, including the neuromuscular junction, autonomic cholinergic synapses, and the brain.
At the neuromuscular junction, these agents work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing it to remain bound to the receptor and bind to nearby receptors. This process leads to repetitive firing of the endplate, causing muscle...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

The 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task: A Task of Attention and Impulse Control for Rodents
09:43

The 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task: A Task of Attention and Impulse Control for Rodents

Published on: August 10, 2014

Non-cholinergic modulation of antisaccade performance: a modafinil-nicotine comparison.

N Rycroft1, S B Hutton, O Clowry

  • 1Department of Psychology, Sussex University, Pevensey 1, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 9QH, UK.

Psychopharmacology
|August 7, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Nicotine and modafinil reduced correct antisaccade latency in healthy non-smokers. Neither drug reduced antisaccade errors, suggesting specific cognitive enhancements rather than general improvement in goal-directed behavior.

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Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices
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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

The 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task: A Task of Attention and Impulse Control for Rodents
09:43

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Published on: August 10, 2014

A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development
07:02

A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development

Published on: February 11, 2019

Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices
10:04

Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices

Published on: October 29, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neuropharmacology

Background:

  • The antisaccade task assesses goal-directed behavior and response inhibition.
  • Antisaccade errors are elevated in conditions like schizophrenia and prefrontal cortex damage.
  • Nicotine has shown potential to improve antisaccade performance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of nicotine and modafinil on antisaccade performance in healthy non-smokers.
  • To explore the pharmacological mechanisms underlying performance enhancement on the antisaccade task.

Main Methods:

  • Double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled study design.
  • Comparison of nicotine and modafinil (a noradrenergic agonist) effects.
  • Assessment of antisaccade task performance in healthy non-smokers.

Main Results:

  • Both nicotine and modafinil significantly reduced the latency of correct antisaccades.
  • Neither compound demonstrated a significant reduction in antisaccade error rates.
  • Findings suggest specific rather than general cognitive effects.

Conclusions:

  • Nicotine and modafinil may enhance specific aspects of executive control involved in antisaccade execution.
  • The study provides insights into the neurochemical modulation of goal-directed behavior and response inhibition.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action.