Acetylcholine receptor

Acetylcholine receptors (also shortened to muscarinic ) are transmembrane receptors in various areas of the nervous system that bind substrate as the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are ionotropic, ie they are themselves ion channels ( first messenger ). Their effect is usually excitatory ( causing). You can by nicotine or indirectly by physostigmine ( acetylcholinesterase inhibitors ) on increasing the concentration of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft are activated and are therefore referred to as n- acetylcholine receptors. Antagonist curare (ACh ) inhibitors.

We distinguish the following subtypes:

  • N1 ( motor end plate )
  • N2 ( neuronal, pre- to postganglionic )

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are metabotropic, ie G protein- coupled. You can muscarine ( alkaloid from the fly agaric; agonist) are activated, they are therefore referred to as m- acetylcholine receptors. They are inhibited by atropine or (ACh inhibitor and antagonist).

We distinguish the following subtypes:

  • M1, m3, m5: Effect on GqIP3/DAG cascade
  • M2, m4: effect on Gi; Reduction of cAMP
Receptor antagonist Metabotropic receptor
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