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Related Concept Videos

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

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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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Nervous Tissue: Myelin01:25

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The myelin sheath is a multilayered lipid and protein covering that insulates the axon of a neuron, enhancing the speed of nerve impulse conduction. Axons without this sheath are referred to as unmyelinated. Two types of neuroglia, Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) are responsible for producing myelin sheaths.
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Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic01:15

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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.
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Chemical Synapses01:26

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
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Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

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Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Preparation and Immunostaining of Myelinating Organotypic Cerebellar Slice Cultures
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Preparation and Immunostaining of Myelinating Organotypic Cerebellar Slice Cultures

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Cholinergic signaling in myelination.

R Douglas Fields1, Dipankar J Dutta1,2, Jillian Belgrad1

  • 1Nervous System Development and Plasticity Section, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.

Glia
|January 20, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Acetylcholine (ACh) signaling is crucial for myelinating glia and remyelination. Research explores its therapeutic potential in neurological diseases and activity-dependent myelination.

Keywords:
acetylcholine (ACh)acetylcholinesterase (AChE)butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)muscarinic receptorsnicotinic receptorsorganophosphates

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Neurobiology

Background:

  • Acetylcholine (ACh) has a long history of study in myelinating glia.
  • Recent interest is driven by therapeutic potential for remyelination and activity-dependent myelination.
  • Myelinating glia express muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors; white matter highly expresses cholinesterases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical and current research on acetylcholine signaling in myelinating glia.
  • To summarize intracellular signaling pathways and functional outcomes of ACh in glia.
  • To consider the implications of ACh signaling in diseases and white matter toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of historical and current research.
  • Synthesis of knowledge on ACh receptor expression and enzyme activity in myelinating glia.
  • Analysis of intracellular signaling and functional consequences of ACh.

Main Results:

  • Myelinating glia (Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes) are targets of ACh signaling.
  • ACh influences intracellular pathways and cellular functions within myelinating glia.
  • ACh signaling plays a role in diseases like Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Acetylcholine signaling is a significant factor in myelin development, maintenance, and repair.
  • Understanding ACh pathways offers therapeutic avenues for neurological disorders.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate ACh's role and therapeutic potential in glia.