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Related Concept Videos

Cholinergic Receptors: Muscarinic01:25

Cholinergic Receptors: Muscarinic

4.5K
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+....
4.5K
Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic01:15

Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic

5.1K
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...
5.1K
Cholinergic Neurons: Neurotransmission01:23

Cholinergic Neurons: Neurotransmission

4.8K
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...
4.8K
Parasympathetic Signaling01:30

Parasympathetic Signaling

2.9K
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...
2.9K
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship01:22

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

1.9K
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...
1.9K
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions01:30

Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions

1.3K
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...
1.3K

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 26, 2025

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

Published on: January 25, 2019

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Acetylcholine and cholinergic receptors.

David A Brown1

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.

Brain and Neuroscience Advances
|March 14, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review summarizes 50 years of research on acetylcholine neurotransmitter functions and its receptors. It highlights key discoveries and anticipates future advancements in neuroscience.

Keywords:
Acetylcholinecholinergic transmissionmuscarinic receptorsnicotinic receptorspostsynaptic receptorspresynaptic receptors

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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

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Subcutaneous Administration of Muscarinic Antagonists and Triple-Immunostaining of the Levator Auris Longus Muscle in Mice
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Subcutaneous Administration of Muscarinic Antagonists and Triple-Immunostaining of the Levator Auris Longus Muscle in Mice

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Probing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices via Laser Flash Photolysis of Photoactivatable Nicotine
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Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices
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Subcutaneous Administration of Muscarinic Antagonists and Triple-Immunostaining of the Levator Auris Longus Muscle in Mice
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Acetylcholine is a vital neurotransmitter.
  • Its functions and receptors are crucial in various physiological processes.
  • Understanding acetylcholine's role has evolved significantly over five decades.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review advances in acetylcholine neurotransmitter functions from 1967-2017.
  • To discuss developments in nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
  • To provide insights into potential future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of scientific publications.
  • Analysis of key discoveries in acetylcholine research over 50 years.
  • Inclusion of historical context with a snapshot of 1967 research.

Main Results:

  • Detailed overview of acetylcholine's neurotransmitter functions.
  • Elucidation of the evolution of knowledge on nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
  • Identification of significant milestones in the field.

Conclusions:

  • Acetylcholine research has seen substantial progress over 50 years.
  • Nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are key areas of ongoing study.
  • Future research holds promise for further understanding acetylcholine's complex roles.