Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are a type of receptor that plays several roles in the body, including in the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and other tissues. They are named for their activation by the substance muscarine, but their natural ligand is the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).

Structure and function

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by the binding of acetylcholine. They are found in various parts of the body and play a role in a wide range of physiological functions, including heart rate, digestion, and sensory processing.

There are five known types of mAChRs, designated M1 through M5. Each type has a different distribution in the body and plays a different role. For example, M1 receptors are found in the brain and are involved in cognitive function, while M2 receptors are found in the heart and are involved in controlling heart rate.

Pharmacology

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are the target of a number of drugs, including muscarinic antagonists like atropine and scopolamine, which are used to treat conditions like motion sickness and Parkinson's disease. Muscarinic agonists, which activate the receptors, are used in the treatment of conditions like dry mouth and glaucoma.

Research

Research into muscarinic acetylcholine receptors is ongoing, with scientists investigating their role in diseases like Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. Understanding how these receptors work could lead to the development of new treatments for these and other conditions.

See also

• Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Neurotransmitter

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