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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...
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...
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...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship01:29

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

Indirect-acting cholinergic agonists are agents that interact with the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in the synaptic cleft, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine into choline and acetate. Consequently, the concentration of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft increases. These agonists can be classified into reversible and irreversible inhibitors based on their duration of action.
Reversible inhibitors display short to medium durations of action. Short-acting agents include simple alcohols with...
Parasympathetic Signaling01:30

Parasympathetic Signaling

Parasympathetic signaling plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. It involves the release of acetylcholine (ACh) by parasympathetic neurons, which can have localized and short-lived effects. The majority of ACh released is rapidly inactivated at the synapse by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which hydrolyzes Ach into choline and acetate. Additionally, the tissue cholinesterase deactivates any ACh diffusing into the surrounding tissues.
The effects of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

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

Acetylcholine receptors.

D P Green, R Miledi, M Perez de la Mora

    Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
    |June 10, 1975
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Alpha-Bungarotoxin from snake venom irreversibly blocks acetylcholine action, enabling a new assay for acetylcholine receptors. This toxin facilitates purification and study of these crucial receptors in various tissues.

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    Probing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices via Laser Flash Photolysis of Photoactivatable Nicotine
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    Localization of Plasma Membrane and Intracellular Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Using Quantitative Imaging in Mammalian Cells
    09:06

    Localization of Plasma Membrane and Intracellular Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Using Quantitative Imaging in Mammalian Cells

    Published on: December 19, 2025

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Biochemistry
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Alpha-Bungarotoxin, a snake venom protein, antagonizes acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.
    • It binds irreversibly, offering a tool for receptor study.
    • Acetylcholine receptors are vital for nerve-muscle communication.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To utilize Alpha-Bungarotoxin's irreversible binding for developing an in vitro assay for acetylcholine receptors.
    • To purify and characterize acetylcholine receptors from Torpedo and denervated skeletal muscle.
    • To investigate the distribution of acetylcholine receptors and study autoimmune responses.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation and labeling of Alpha-Bungarotoxin.
    • Development of an in vitro assay based on irreversible toxin binding.
    • Purification of acetylcholine receptors using affinity chromatography.
    • Tissue distribution analysis and induction of autoimmune responses.

    Main Results:

    • Alpha-Bungarotoxin serves as an effective tool for acetylcholine receptor assays.
    • Substantial purification of Torpedo and denervated muscle acetylcholine receptors was achieved.
    • Receptor distribution was mapped, and an autoimmune response to Torpedo receptors was observed.

    Conclusions:

    • Alpha-Bungarotoxin is a valuable reagent for acetylcholine receptor research.
    • The study advanced the understanding of acetylcholine receptor purification and distribution.
    • Investigated potential autoimmune implications related to acetylcholine receptors.