Cholinergic Neurotransmission is the specific process of chemical signaling between neurons or between a neuron and an effector cell that utilizes acetylcholine (ACh) as the primary neurotransmitter. This form of signaling is indispensable for motor control, autonomic nervous system function, and higher cognitive processes like learning and memory. Impaired cholinergic function is a hallmark of certain neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring its critical role in neurological health and function.
Origin
The term derives from ‘cholinergic,’ meaning “related to acetylcholine,” and ‘neurotransmission,’ the fundamental process of nerve cell communication. Acetylcholine was the very first neurotransmitter to be conclusively identified, isolated by Otto Loewi in the 1920s, which revolutionized the understanding of synaptic communication. The recognition of the central and peripheral roles of the cholinergic system established this as a distinct and vital mechanism of nervous system function.
Mechanism
The process begins with the synthesis of ACh from choline and acetyl-CoA within the presynaptic terminal, followed by its storage in synaptic vesicles. Upon arrival of an action potential, these vesicles fuse with the membrane, releasing ACh into the synaptic cleft. The neurotransmitter then binds to specific nicotinic or muscarinic receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, eliciting a rapid or slower cellular response. The signal is rapidly terminated by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which hydrolyzes ACh back into inactive components.
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