Acetylcholine

• 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.

Side Effects of Acetylcholine:

• Bradycardia
• Hypotension
• Salivation, sweating
• Diarrhea
• Bronchoconstriction

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