Muscarinic receptors
Muscarinic Receptors
Muscarinic receptors (/mʌskəˈrɪnɪk rɪˈsɛptərz/) are a type of G protein-coupled receptor that play several roles in the body, including the regulation of heart rate and force, contraction of smooth muscles, and the secretion of certain glands. They are named after the compound muscarine, which was originally extracted from the mushroom Amanita muscaria and found to bind to these receptors.
Etymology
The term "muscarinic" is derived from "muscarine", a toxin found in the Amanita muscaria mushroom. Muscarine was the first substance found to act on these receptors, hence the name.
Types of Muscarinic Receptors
There are five known types of muscarinic receptors, named M1 through M5. Each type has a different role in the body and is found in different tissues.
- M1 - Found in the brain, autonomic ganglia, and gastric parietal cells. It is involved in cognitive functions and gastric acid secretion.
- M2 - Found in the heart and smooth muscle. It is involved in heart rate regulation and smooth muscle contraction.
- M3 - Found in smooth muscle, endothelium, and exocrine glands. It is involved in smooth muscle contraction and glandular secretion.
- M4 - Found in the brain. It is involved in the regulation of dopamine activity.
- M5 - Found in the brain and peripheral tissues. It is involved in dopamine release and vasodilation.
Related Terms
- Acetylcholine - The primary neurotransmitter that binds to and activates muscarinic receptors.
- Muscarine - A toxin found in certain mushrooms that binds to and activates muscarinic receptors.
- Atropine - A drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors.
- G protein-coupled receptor - A large family of receptors that includes the muscarinic receptors.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Muscarinic receptors
- Wikipedia's article - Muscarinic receptors
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