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Related Concept Videos

Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic01:15

Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic

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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...
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Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions01:30

Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions

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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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Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions00:59

Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions

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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...
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Cholinergic Receptors: Muscarinic01:25

Cholinergic Receptors: Muscarinic

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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+....
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Cholinergic Neurons: Neurotransmission01:23

Cholinergic Neurons: Neurotransmission

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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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Parasympathetic Signaling01:30

Parasympathetic Signaling

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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: Apr 20, 2026

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

Published on: October 29, 2012

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The nicotinic cholinergic system function in the human brain.

Frauke Nees1

  • 1Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Square J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany.

Neuropharmacology
|December 3, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human brain imaging studies reveal the nicotinic cholinergic system

Keywords:
AcetylcholineBrain imagingCognitionEmotionGeneNicotine

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

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Human brain research on the nicotinic cholinergic system is expanding beyond animal models.
  • Functional brain imaging techniques like fMRI and PET are advancing understanding of nicotinic effects.
  • Previous research has yielded mixed results on neural activity changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current human brain imaging studies on the nicotinic cholinergic system.
  • To explore theoretical and clinical implications of these findings.
  • To highlight the system's role in cognition, emotion, and behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Review of functional brain imaging studies (pharmacological fMRI, PET).
  • Analysis of research in healthy individuals and patient populations.
  • Inclusion of studies examining brain structure and nicotinic system relations.

Main Results:

  • Nicotinic system influences human cognition, emotion, and behavior.
  • Brain imaging reveals both enhancements and decrements in neural activity.
  • Brain structure-nicotinic system relationships provide additional insights.

Conclusions:

  • Nicotinic cholinergic system imaging offers insights into basic mechanisms.
  • Findings can inform psychological and pharmacological treatment development.
  • Neuroanatomical patterns may serve as biomarkers for disorders like addiction, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia.