Muscarinic

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, or mAChRs, are a type of acetylcholine receptor that are more responsive to muscarine than to nicotine. They play several roles in the body including regulation of heart rate, smooth muscle contraction, and neurotransmission in the central nervous system.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are linked to an intracellular second messenger cascade. They are composed of five different subtypes, named M1 through M5, each with a distinct pharmacological profile.

Function[edit | edit source]

Muscarinic receptors are involved in a variety of physiological functions. They regulate heart rate, smooth muscle contraction, and neurotransmission in the central nervous system. They also play a role in learning and memory, as well as in the regulation of the immune system.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Muscarinic receptors are the target of a number of drugs, including atropine, scopolamine, and various anticholinergics. These drugs can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including Parkinson's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and overactive bladder.

See also[edit | edit source]

Muscarinic Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD