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Related Concept Videos

Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Cholinergic Neurons: Neurotransmission01:23

Cholinergic Neurons: Neurotransmission

Cholinergic neurotransmission involves the synthesis and the release of acetylcholine (ACh) in order to transmit nerve impulses across the synapse. The process begins with the synthesis of acetyl CoA, a precursor for ACh, from ATP, acetate, and coenzyme A in the mitochondria. Choline, another vital precursor, is transported inside the neuron through choline transporters, including high-affinity choline transporter CHT1, low-affinity choline transporter CTL1, and lower-affinity choline...
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Cholinergic Receptors: Muscarinic

The pharmacological actions of acetylcholine are elicited via its binding to two families of cholinergic receptors or cholinoceptors, namely, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Muscarinic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors and have five subtypes, M1–M5. All mAChR subtypes are activated by acetylcholine and blocked by the antagonist, atropine. 
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Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic01:15

Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic

Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by acetylcholine and nicotine. Upon activation, they cause a rapid increase in the permeability of cells to K+, Na+, and Ca2+, followed by depolarization and excitation. They are in the autonomic ganglia, skeletal neuromuscular junction, CNS, and adrenal medulla.
There are two types of nicotinic receptors: neuromuscular (NM/NM/N1) and neuronal (NN/NN/N2). The two families differ based on their location and selectivity to...
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...
Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...

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Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders
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Acetylcholine.

James B Rand1

  • 1Program in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA. James-Rand@omrf.ouhsc.edu

Wormbook : the Online Review of C. Elegans Biology
|December 1, 2007
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers identified all genetic components for acetylcholine function in C. elegans. This neurotransmitter is crucial for numerous behaviors, including movement and feeding.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Acetylcholine is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter at nematode neuromuscular junctions.
  • Over a third of cells in the C. elegans nervous system release acetylcholine.
  • Cholinergic transmission influences diverse behaviors like locomotion, feeding, and egg laying.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify all genetic components essential for cholinergic function in C. elegans.
  • To understand the molecular basis of neurotransmission in a model organism.

Main Methods:

  • Forward genetics screens were employed to isolate mutants.
  • Drug-resistance selections were used to identify resistant strains.
  • Genomic analysis was performed to pinpoint specific genes involved.

Main Results:

  • Mutants were identified for all key steps in cholinergic function.
  • These include enzymes, transporters, and receptors critical for acetylcholine signaling.
  • The study cataloged the genetic underpinnings of cholinergic transmission.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of the genetic machinery for acetylcholine neurotransmission in C. elegans has been achieved.
  • This genetic framework is vital for numerous nematode behaviors.
  • Further research can build upon this foundation to explore cholinergic system complexities.