- Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter a chemical messenger that plays a key role in both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- It is involved in transmitting nerve impulses across synapses, particularly at neuromuscular junctions, autonomic ganglia, and within the brain.
Chemical Formula:
- C₇H₁₆NO₂⁺
Mechanism of Action:
- Mimics acetylcholine at muscarinic and nicotinic receptors.
- Rapidly degraded by acetylcholinesterase, hence not used clinically much.
Uses of Acetylcholine:
- Limited clinical use due to rapid hydrolysis.
- Occasionally used in ophthalmic surgery for miosis.
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Side Effects of Acetylcholine:
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Salivation, sweating
- Diarrhea
- Bronchoconstriction
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