Acetylcholine: nicotinic, muscarinic and AChE
The first transmitter discovered — and a clear example of one messenger with a fast receptor and a slow one.
Dónde encajaSe conecta con 1 · Desbloquea 1
- Se conecta con
- Fast doors and slow keypads: ionotropic and metabotropic receptors — Nicotinic = ionotropic; muscarinic = metabotropic.
- Desbloquea
- Other messengers: histamine, opioids, hormones and more — Anticholinergic side effects (e.g., diphenhydramine) come from blocking muscarinic receptors.
Recorrido
Made from choline
Acetyl coenzyme A + choline (from diet or recycled) → acetylcholine.
Analogía y ejemplo resuelto
Analogía: One messenger, two phone lines: nicotinic is a direct line (instant), muscarinic goes through a switchboard (slower, more options). AChE is the operator who hangs up. Block the operator and the line stays jammed open.
Nerve gas irreversibly inhibits AChE. Predict the symptoms.
- AChE can't break down ACh → ACh builds up.
Consejo: las teclas ← y → recorren la lección.
Lección completa: Precursors and acetylcholine