Acetylcholine: Difference between revisions
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Ach is an [[Ester|ester]] of [[Acetic acid|acetic acid]] and [[Choline|choline]] and has a systemic name of 2-(acetyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium<ref>http://www.medic8.com/medicines/Acetylcholine.html</ref>. <br> | Ach is an [[Ester|ester]] of [[Acetic acid|acetic acid]] and [[Choline|choline]] and has a systemic name of 2-(acetyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium<ref>http://www.medic8.com/medicines/Acetylcholine.html</ref>. <br> | ||
Acetylcholine is released and found in the [[Preganglionic neuron|preganglionic]] and [[Postganglionic neuron|postganglionic neurons]] of the [[Parasympathetic nervous system|parasympathetic nervous system]]. It is also present in the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system. In these nervous systems Ach binds to two different types of receptors- the [[Nicotinic Ach receptor|nicotinic Ach receptor]] annd the [[Muscarinic Ach receptor|muscarinic Ach receptor]]. The nicotinic Ach receptor is a [[Ionotropic receptor|ionotropic receptor]] and can be atagonised by the poison [[Curare|curare]]. The muscarinic Ach receptor is a [[Metabotropic receptor|metabotropic receptor]] and is antagonised by the chemical compound [[Atropine|atropine]]. | Acetylcholine is released and found in the [[Preganglionic neuron|preganglionic]] and [[Postganglionic neuron|postganglionic neurons]] of the [[Parasympathetic nervous system|parasympathetic nervous system]]. It is also present in the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system. In these nervous systems Ach binds to two different types of receptors- the [[Nicotinic Ach receptor|nicotinic Ach receptor]] annd the [[Muscarinic Ach receptor|muscarinic Ach receptor]]. The nicotinic Ach receptor is a [[Ionotropic receptor|ionotropic receptor]] and can be atagonised by the poison [[Curare|curare]]. The muscarinic Ach receptor is a [[Metabotropic receptor|metabotropic receptor]] and is antagonised by the chemical compound [[Atropine|atropine]]. | ||
=== References === | |||
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Revision as of 18:04, 28 November 2010
Acetylcholine, often abbreviated to Ach, is a neurotransmitter found in the autonomic nervous system. It was first identified in 1914 by Henry Dale and confirmed as a neurotransmitter by Otto Loewi. In 1936 they both received a Nobel prize for their work in Medicine.
Chemical Structure
Ach is an ester of acetic acid and choline and has a systemic name of 2-(acetyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium[1].
Acetylcholine is released and found in the preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is also present in the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system. In these nervous systems Ach binds to two different types of receptors- the nicotinic Ach receptor annd the muscarinic Ach receptor. The nicotinic Ach receptor is a ionotropic receptor and can be atagonised by the poison curare. The muscarinic Ach receptor is a metabotropic receptor and is antagonised by the chemical compound atropine.