Cholinergic drugs mimic or enhance the effects of acetylcholine by stimulating its receptors. This activation triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s natural “rest and digest” functions. Cholinergic drug, any of various drugs that inhibit, enhance, or mimic the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the primary transmitter of nerve impulses within the parasympathetic nervous system.

Understanding the Context

Learn about types of cholinergic drugs and their uses and effects. 1. Activated by or capable of liberating acetylcholine, especially in the parasympathetic nervous system. 2.

Key Insights

Having physiological effects similar to those of acetylcholine: a cholinergic agent or drug. A substance (or ligand) is cholinergic if it is capable of producing, altering, or releasing acetylcholine, or butyrylcholine ("indirect-acting"), or mimicking their behaviours at one or more of the body's acetylcholine receptor ("direct-acting") or butyrylcholine receptor types ("direct-acting"). Several agonists, antagonists, and inhibitors have been developed to target the cholinergic system to control inflammation in different tissues. This review discusses how various molecules of the neuronal and non-neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS) interact with the immune cells. Cholinergic activity influences heart rate, causing a decrease, and can affect the contraction of smooth muscles in organs like the gastrointestinal tract and bladder, increasing their activity.

Final Thoughts

Learn how the cholinergic system regulates physical processes (rest, digestion, movement) and high-level cognitive functions like memory and attention. The New England Journal of Medicine: Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptor Agonist and Peripheral Antagonist for Schizophrenia