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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses01:11

Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses

Direct-acting cholinergic agonists have many therapeutic uses in various medical fields. Choline esters, including acetylcholine, have limited clinical utility due to their non-selectivity and short duration of action. Still, acetylcholine and carbachol are applied topically during ophthalmologic surgery to induce miosis. Pilocarpine, a muscarinic and ganglionic stimulator, effectively treats open-angle glaucoma and alleviates xerostomia and dry mouth caused by radiotherapy or Sjögren syndrome.
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...
Cholinergic Receptors: Muscarinic01:25

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. 
The subtypes M1, M3, and M5 couple with the Gq subunit and activate the phospholipase C (PLC) activity, mobilizing intracellular Ca2+. Activation...
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists01:30

Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function. They...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Probing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices via Laser Flash Photolysis of Photoactivatable Nicotine
10:48

Probing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices via Laser Flash Photolysis of Photoactivatable Nicotine

Published on: January 25, 2019

Acetylcholine: future research and perspectives.

E A Van der Zee1, B Platt, G Riedel

  • 1University of Groningen, Biological Center, Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Kerklaan 30, 9751 NN Haren, The Netherlands. e.a.van.der.zee@rug.nl

Behavioural Brain Research
|February 8, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Research on acetylcholine (ACh), the first chemical transmitter, continues to thrive, particularly concerning its role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This field offers significant potential for future discoveries and advancements.

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

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An Alternative Approach to Study Primary Events in Neurodegeneration Using Ex Vivo Rat Brain Slices
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An Alternative Approach to Study Primary Events in Neurodegeneration Using Ex Vivo Rat Brain Slices

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Probing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices via Laser Flash Photolysis of Photoactivatable Nicotine
10:48

Probing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices via Laser Flash Photolysis of Photoactivatable Nicotine

Published on: January 25, 2019

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

An Alternative Approach to Study Primary Events in Neurodegeneration Using Ex Vivo Rat Brain Slices
07:57

An Alternative Approach to Study Primary Events in Neurodegeneration Using Ex Vivo Rat Brain Slices

Published on: April 11, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Acetylcholine (ACh) was the first identified chemical neurotransmitter.
  • Research into ACh functions has expanded significantly since its discovery.
  • The cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has driven substantial research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current state of knowledge on the cholinergic system.
  • To highlight areas within cholinergic system research with potential for future development.
  • To identify specific topics for future research based on recent reviews.

Main Methods:

  • Compilation and synthesis of information from multiple reviews on the cholinergic system.
  • Identification of key research areas and emerging topics.
  • Focus on areas relevant to Alzheimer's disease and broader cholinergic functions.

Main Results:

  • The field of cholinergic system research remains highly active.
  • Despite extensive knowledge, significant potential for future research exists.
  • Several specific topics have been identified for future investigation.

Conclusions:

  • The study of acetylcholine and the cholinergic system is a dynamic and evolving field.
  • Continued research holds promise for advancing our understanding of neurological functions and diseases like AD.
  • Future research should focus on the identified emerging topics within the cholinergic system.