On the Physiological Relevance of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Alzheimers Disease

Title: On the Physiological Relevance of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Alzheimers Disease

Volume: 12 Issue: 24

Author(s): H. J. Koch, S. Haas and T. Jurgens

Affiliation:

Keywords: muscarinic receptors, dementia, agonist, antagonist

Abstract: The loss of cholinergic neurons, particularly in the forebrain, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimers disease (DAT). This concept has lead to the effective treatment of DAT by means of acetylcholine (Ach) esterase inhibitors. G-protein-coupled muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAchR) are classified in 5 subtypes, the M1 receptor stimulation and M2 inhibition being especially associated with cognitive skills. Modified cerebral muscarinic receptor profiles in patients with Alzheimers disease in addition to loss of Ach releasing neurons help us to understand the pathophysiology of dementia and offer potential therapeutic approaches. Specific agonists and antagonists of muscarinic receptors are discussed as possible treatment options in DAT. Experimental results postulate a positive long lasting modulation of the pathological neuronal protein pattern in addition to their cholinomimetic effect.

Cite this article as:

Koch J. H., Haas S. and Jurgens T., On the Physiological Relevance of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Alzheimers Disease, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2005; 12 (24) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986705774454742