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

Erin M Wall1,2, Sarah C Woolley2,3

  • 1Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

Elife
|May 20, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, modulates male finch courtship songs. This effect is mediated by the HVC region of the premotor cortex, crucial for vocal control.

Keywords:
HVCacetylcholinemotor performanceneurosciencesongbird

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Animal Behavior
  • Bioacoustics

Background:

  • Courtship songs in male finches are complex vocalizations essential for mating.
  • The HVC (proper neuronal nucleus of the song control system) is a key brain region for song production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in modulating male finch courtship song performance.
  • To determine if acetylcholine acts within the HVC to influence song characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Electrophysiological recordings in the HVC of male finches during singing.
  • Pharmacological manipulation of acetylcholine levels in the HVC.

Main Results:

  • Acetylcholine application in the HVC altered specific parameters of the courtship songs.
  • Changes in song structure and complexity were observed following acetylcholine modulation.

Conclusions:

  • The neurotransmitter acetylcholine plays a significant role in regulating the neural circuits controlling male finch courtship songs.
  • The HVC is a critical site where acetylcholine influences vocal performance, impacting mating behaviors.