Methacholine
Methacholine
Methacholine (pronounced me-tha-cho-leen) is a synthetic choline ester that acts as a non-selective muscarinic receptor agonist in the parasympathetic nervous system.
Etymology
The term "Methacholine" is derived from two words: "Methyl", which is a type of alkyl group derived from methane, and "Acetylcholine", which is a neurotransmitter in the nervous system.
Usage
Methacholine is primarily used in a clinical setting as a diagnostic tool to assess bronchial hyperreactivity, which is commonly associated with asthma. This is done through a Methacholine Challenge Test, where the patient inhales aerosolized methacholine, leading to bronchoconstriction.
Related Terms
- Choline: A nutrient that is required for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in many functions of the body.
- Muscarinic Receptor Agonist: A type of drug that activates muscarinic receptors in the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Parasympathetic Nervous System: One of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system, the other being the sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system is responsible for stimulation of "rest-and-digest" or "feed and breed" activities that occur when the body is at rest.
- Bronchial Hyperreactivity: A state in which the bronchi are overly responsive to different stimuli, leading to excessive bronchoconstriction. It is a characteristic feature of asthma.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Methacholine
- Wikipedia's article - Methacholine
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