Cholinergic Chemotransmission and Anesthetic Drug Effects at the Carotid Bodies
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 24, 2025

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice
Published on: June 25, 2012
Maarten Honing1, Chris Martini1, Monique van Velzen1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
General anesthesia is obtained by administration of potent hypnotics, analgesics and muscle relaxants. Apart from their intended effects (loss of consciousness, pain relief and muscle relaxation), these agents profoundly affect the control of breathing, in part by an effect within the peripheral chemoreflex loop that originates at the carotid bodies. This review assesses the role of cholinergic chemotransmission in the peripheral chemoreflex loop and the mechanisms through which muscle relaxants and hypnotics interfere with peripheral chemosensitivity. Additionally, consequences for clinical practice are discussed.
More Related Videos
05:45Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing
Published on: October 25, 2019
07:09Subcutaneous Administration of Muscarinic Antagonists and Triple-Immunostaining of the Levator Auris Longus Muscle in Mice
Published on: September 8, 2011
Related Concept Videos
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
The direct-acting...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
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...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
Parasympathetic Signaling
The effects of...
Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions
Gastrointestinal Effects: Antimuscarinics reduce gut contractions, increase gastric emptying, and slow intestinal transit. They partly inhibit gastric acid secretion...