Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine is considered part of a group called biochemicals that are known as neurotransmitters. Acetylcholine carries nerve impulses across a gap between neurons, called a synapse. There it propagates nerve impulses in the receiving neuron. It also carries impulses from a neuron to a muscle cell, which is called a motor plate, where it generates muscle contractions. Acetylcholine is also very important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and muscle functioning.
One of acetylcholine's functions is a chemical messenger. Its message is interpreted by receptors that are in the neurons and muscle tissues. Special neurons, called cholinoceptive neurons, are the neurons that have acetylcholine receptors. There are two types of acetylcholine receptors, nicotinic and muscarinic, which are found in different parts of the nervous system. Both of these receptors respond to acetylcholine.
As well as responding to acetylcholine, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors also respond to basic nicotine, which is found in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, and this is what makes nicotine so addictive.
There are a number of drugs that are used in the treatment of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. They operate by modifying the functioning of acetylcholine. Examples of these drugs include, Tolterodine, SSRIs and cannabinoids.
Acetylcholine is also one of the neurotransmitters that play a very important role in memory. Its main use if for control of sensory input signals and muscular control. Acetylcholine is also considered a stimulatory neurotransmitter. When muscle nerves release acetylcholine, it then makes those muscles contract. Acetylcholine is made from the precursor nutrient choline, and studies have shown that there is some evidence that increased dietary choline can increase the production and the use of acetylcholine.
Sources:
Dec. 9, 2005. Mult-Sclerosis Acetylcholine.
Dec. 9, 2005. World Health.
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