Cholinergic Agonists

Vocabulary flashcards related to cholinergic agonists.

Cholinergic Drugs

Drugs that act on receptors activated by acetylcholine (ACh).

Synaptic Cleft

The space between the nerve endings and adjacent receptors on nerves or effector organs.

Choline Acetyltransferase

Enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of acetylcholine from choline and acetyl-CoA.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

A cotransmitter found in mature vesicles along with acetylcholine (ACh).

Botulinum Toxin

A toxin that blocks the release of acetylcholine.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)

Enzyme that cleaves acetylcholine to choline and acetate in the synaptic cleft.

Muscarinic Receptors

Receptors that bind acetylcholine and also recognize muscarine but show only a weak affinity for nicotine; belong to the class of G protein-coupled receptors (metabotropic receptors).

Nicotinic Receptors

Receptors that bind acetylcholine and also recognize nicotine but show only a weak affinity for muscarine; function as a ligand-gated ion channel (ionotropic receptor).

Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists

Mimic the effects of ACh by binding directly to cholinoceptors (muscarinic or nicotinic).

Muscarinic Agents

Choline esters that preferentially bind to muscarinic receptors.

Miosis

Marked constriction of the pupil

Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists

Mimic effects of ACh by preventing the degradation of ACh.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Another name for anticholinesterase agents, which inhibit acetylcholinesterase and increase acetylcholine levels.