Acetylcholine and Neuropharmacology

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to acetylcholine and its role in neuropharmacology.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter important for muscle contraction and various brain functions.

Loewi's Experiment

A pioneering study demonstrating the role of neurotransmitters in heart rate regulation.

Vagus Nerve

A cranial nerve that influences heart rate by releasing acetylcholine.

Autonomic Ganglia

Clusters of nerve cell bodies in the autonomic nervous system where neurotransmitters communicate.

Choline Acetyltransferase (ChAT)

An enzyme that synthesizes acetylcholine from choline and acetyl CoA.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)

An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.

Muscarinic Receptors

A subtype of acetylcholine receptors that are G-protein coupled and have various functions.

Nicotinic Receptors

A type of acetylcholine receptor that acts as a transmitter-gated ion channel.

Myasthenia Gravis

An autoimmune disorder characterized by weakness in skeletal muscles due to decreased nicotinic receptors.

Anti-cholinesterases

Drugs that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, increasing acetylcholine levels, used in treatments like glaucoma.

Neonicotinoids

Insecticides that act as agonists for insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to paralysis.

Depolarization Block

A condition where sustained activation of nicotinic receptors prevents action potentials due to prolonged sodium channel opening.

Physostigmine

An anti-cholinesterase derived from the Calabar bean, used to increase acetylcholine activity.

Donepezil

An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease

Associated with decreased acetylcholine and cholinergic neuron activity.

Parkinson’s Disease and ACh

Condition characterized by hyperactivity of cholinergic interneurons due to DA neuron inhibition.