nicotinic

(noun)

Excitatory acetylcholine receptors.

Related Terms

  • muscarinic
  • peripheral nervous system
  • mixed spinal nerve

Examples of nicotinic in the following topics:

  • Agonists, Antagonists, and Drugs

    • A nicotinic agonist is a drug that mimics, in one way or another, the action of acetylcholine (ACh) at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs).
    • Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are receptors found in the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous systems, and skeletal muscles.
    • Nicotinic antagonist are mainly used for peripheral muscle paralysis in surgery, the classical agent of this type being tubocurarine, but some centrally acting compounds such as bupropion, mecamylamine, and 18-methoxycoronaridine block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain and have been proposed for treating drug addiction.
    • The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist are gaining increasing attention as drug candidates for multiple central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and nicotine addiction.
    • In 2009 there were at least five drugs on the market that affect the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
  • Parasympathetic Responses

    • The ACh acts on two types of receptors, the muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors.
    • When stimulated, the preganglionic nerve releases ACh at the ganglion, which acts on nicotinic receptors of postganglionic neurons.
    • Two different subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with alpha and beta subunits.
  • Peripheral Motor Endings

    • Acetylcholine diffuses into the synaptic cleft and binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors located on the motor end plate.
    • Clinical Example: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which circulating antibodies block the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the motor end plate of the neuromuscular junction.
    • Detailed view of a neuromuscular junction: 1) Presynaptic terminal; 2) Sarcolemma; 3) Synaptic vesicle; 4) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor; 5) Mitochondrion.
  • Neurotransmitters

    • The cholinergic system has two types of receptors: the nicotinic receptor and the acetylcholine receptor, which is known as the muscarinic receptor.
    • Nicotine, the chemical in tobacco, binds to the nicotinic receptor and activates it similarly to acetylcholine.
    • When acetylcholine binds to the nicotinic receptor, the postsynaptic cell is depolarized.
  • Stimulants

    • Still others cause action in other receptors (such as nicotinic acetylcholine) in a process known as receptor agonism.
    • Examples of well-known stimulants include amphetamines, MDMA, NDRIs, cocaine, caffeine, and nicotine.
    • In very low concentrations, nicotine also acts as a stimulant, and it is one of the main factors responsible for the dependence-forming properties of tobacco.
  • Transdermal Drug Administration

    • The highest-selling transdermal patch in the United States is the nicotine patch, which releases nicotine in controlled doses to help with cessation of tobacco smoking.
  • Postganglionic Neurons

    • The sympathetic fibers: At the synapses within the ganglia, preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on postganglionic neurons.
    • The ACh acts on two types of receptors, the muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors.
    • Most transmissions occur in two stages: When stimulated, the preganglionic nerve releases ACh at the ganglion, which acts on nicotinic receptors of postganglionic neurons.
  • Cholinergic Neurons and Receptors

    • At the same time, acetylcholine acts through nicotinic receptors to excite certain groups of inhibitory interneurons in the cortex, which further dampen cortical activity.
    • The result was also found in Alzheimer's disease patients and smokers after nicotine (an ACh agonist) consumption.
  • Effects of Smoking

    • Although nicotine is a highly addictive drug, its effects on cognition are not as intense or noticeable as other drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, or any of the opiates (including heroin and morphine).
  • Excretion and Absorption

    • The most common mechanism of administration through the skin is the use of ointments or an adhesive patch, such as the nicotine patch or iontophoresis.
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