Disease Related

ACETYLCHOLINE

Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter that regulates muscle contraction, cognitive functions, and autonomic processes. It acts on nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. While not used directly as a drug, its effects are targeted by medications such as cholinergic agonists and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to treat conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and myasthenia gravis.

Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including:

  1. Muscle contraction: ACh is released by motor neurons to stimulate muscle contraction.
  2. Neurotransmission: ACh acts as a neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  3. Memory and learning: ACh is involved in attention, memory formation, and learning.
  4. Regulation of the autonomic nervous system: ACh modulates the activity of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

Chemical Structure:

  • Molecular Formula: C7H16NO2
  • Chemical Name: 2-Acetoxy-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium

Functions:

  • Stimulates muscle contraction
  • Regulates the autonomic nervous system
  • Involved in memory and learning processes
  • Modulates the activity of other neurotransmitters

Receptors:

  • Nicotinic receptors (ionotropic)
  • Muscarinic receptors (metabotropic)

Diseases associated with Acetylcholine imbalance:

  • Myasthenia gravis (autoimmune disorder affecting ACh receptors)
  • Alzheimer’s disease (decreased ACh levels)
  • Parkinson’s disease (imbalanced ACh levels)