Neurotransmitters and Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitters

• Acetylcholine (ACh) belongs to the class of neurotransmitters called cholinergic neurotransmitters.

Synaptic Cleft

• Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) breaks down Acetylcholine (ACh) in the synaptic cleft.
• The role of AChE is to terminate the signal transmission by hydrolyzing ACh.

Sarin Gas Poisoning

• Sarin gas poisoning inhibits AChE, resulting in accumulation of ACh in the synaptic cleft.
• Inhibition of AChE leads to continuous stimulation of ACh receptors, causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure.

Receptors in Skeletal Muscles

• Skeletal muscles have nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Myasthenia Gravis

• Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack and reduce the number of ACh receptors at the neuromuscular junction.

Breakdown of Acetylcholine

• Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the enzyme responsible for breaking down Acetylcholine (ACh) in the synaptic cleft.

Ionotropic ACh Receptor

• The ion channel in the ionotropic ACh receptor at skeletal muscles allows an influx of sodium ions, leading to muscle contraction.

Heart Rate Regulation

• Acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter responsible for slowing down the heart rate by activating a heteromeric G protein in heart pacemaker cells.
• The Vagus nerve plays a role in regulating heart rate through the release of ACh.

Autoimmune Disease

• Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disease that leads to the loss of skeletal muscle ACh receptors.

Test your knowledge on neurotransmitters and the properties of acetylcholine (ACh). Explore the synthesis, packaging, degradation, and reuptake of ACh, as well as the role of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in its breakdown. Learn about the effects of Sarin gas poisoning on AChE. Dive into the structure, function, and pharmacology of ACh receptors, including ionotropic receptors at skeletal muscles.