Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2 (also known as M2 mAChR) is a type of muscarinic receptor, which belongs to a larger family of G protein-coupled receptors. The M2 muscarinic receptors are located in the heart, where they act to slow the heart rate down to normal sinus rhythm after periods of stress or excitement, and in the central nervous system.

Structure

The M2 receptor, like other muscarinic receptors, spans the cell membrane seven times (making it a 7TM receptor). The receptor is found in the heart, in the presynaptic autoreceptors and postsynaptic receptors of the parasympathetic nervous system, and in the smooth muscles of the eye.

Function

The M2 receptors are inhibitory receptors and are especially important in the parasympathetic nervous system. When activated, they cause a decrease in heart rate. They also serve to limit the contractile forces of the atrial cardiac muscle, and the conductance velocity of the atrioventricular node. Furthermore, they reduce the contractile forces of the ventricular cardiac muscle and decrease the release of norepinephrine from the adrenergic nerve.

Clinical significance

The M2 receptor is involved in several diseases and disorders, including asthma, COPD, and various heart diseases. Drugs that act on the M2 receptor are used in the treatment of these conditions. For example, muscarinic antagonists, which block the action of acetylcholine on the M2 receptor, are used in the treatment of asthma and COPD.

See also

References


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD