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Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Subcutaneous Administration of Muscarinic Antagonists and Triple-Immunostaining of the Levator Auris Longus Muscle in Mice
Published on: September 8, 2011
Pontine acetylcholine release is regulated by muscarinic autoreceptors
M T Roth1, M A Fleegal, R Lydic
1Department of Anesthesia, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey 17033, USA.
Abstract:
Acetylcholine (ACh) in the medial pontine reticular formation (mPRF) originates from the laterodorsal and pedunculopontine tegmental (LDT/PPT) nuclei and contributes to generating rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The mechanisms controlling mPRF ACh levels are incompletely understood. This study tested the hypothesis that mPRF ACh release is regulated, in part, by muscarinic autoreceptors. The mPRF of intact, halothane-anesthetized cats was dialyzed with Ringer's solution (control) or Ringer's containing the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine, Scopolamine caused a dose-dependent increase in mPRF ACh release and a concomitant decrease in the number of halothane-induced cortical EEG spindles. These data suggest that presynaptic muscarinic receptors, presumed to reside on cholinergic LDT/PPT terminals in the mPRF, play a role in regulating mPRF ACh release, REM sleep and EEG spindles.
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