Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine: nerve impulse transmitter

Acetylcholine (ACh) is one of the main neurotransmitters that transmit nerve impulses in the nervous system. It was discovered in 1914 by the German pharmacologist Otto Leuwenger. Acetylcholine is released from the endings of many neurons and serves as a transmitter of nerve impulses across the synapse.

Chemical composition and properties

Acetylcholine is the acetic acid ester of the organic base choline. It is synthesized from choline and acetic acid with the participation of the enzyme cholinate acyltransferase. Acetylcholine has the formula C7H16NO2 and a molecular weight of 146.2 g/mol.

Acetylcholine is a charged molecule and therefore cannot freely penetrate cell membranes. It is quickly broken down by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase into acetic acid and choline. Choline can be used to synthesize new acetylcholine.

Functions in the body

Acetylcholine performs a number of important functions in the body. It is involved in the regulation of muscle contractions, controls the functioning of internal organs and the circulatory system, and also plays an important role in the processes of memory, attention and concentration.

Nerve impulse transmission

One of the main mechanisms of action of acetylcholine is the transmission of nerve impulses in the synaptic cleft between neurons. When a nerve impulse reaches the terminal of a neuron, acetylcholine is released into the synaptic cleft. Acetylcholine binds to receptors on the membrane of the postsynaptic cell, which leads to a change in its electrical potential and the transmission of a nerve impulse.

Pathological processes

Impaired acetylcholine function is associated with a number of pathological processes in the body. For example, a decrease in acetylcholine levels in the brain is one of the causes of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, some diseases, such as myasthenia gravis and botulism, are associated with disruption of nerve impulse transmission due to effects on acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase.

conclusions

Acetylcholine is one of the main neurotransmitters involved in the transmission of nerve impulses in the body. It performs a number of important functions, such as regulating muscle contractions, controlling the functioning of internal organs, and participating in the processes of memory and attention. Impaired acetylcholine function can lead to various pathological processes, including Alzheimer's disease and myasthenia gravis. The study of the mechanisms of action and regulation of acetylcholine is an important area in pharmacology and neuroscience, and can lead to the development of new drugs for the treatment of various diseases.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral nerve endings. It is the main transmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system and is involved in the regulation of many body functions, such as breathing, digestion, heart rate, etc.

Acetylcholine is synthesized from the amino acid choline in body tissues using the enzyme choline acetyltransferase. It is then converted to acetylcholinesterase, which breaks it down. However, if more acetylcholine is produced than is destroyed, it accumulates in the synaptic cleft and can cause overexcitation and hyperexcitability of neurons.

In the central nervous system, acetylcholine plays an important role in many processes such as memory, learning, attention, mood, etc. It is also involved in the regulation of muscle tone and coordination of movements. In peripheral nerve endings, acetylcholine is responsible for transmitting signals from neurons to muscles and other organs.

If there are disturbances in the system of synthesis and destruction of acetylcholine, a number of diseases can occur, such as Alzheimer's disease, parkinsonism, depression, schizophrenia, etc. Therefore, studying the mechanisms of synthesis and breakdown of acetylcholine is an important task for science and medicine.