Muscarinic receptor

The Muscarinic receptor (pronunciation: mus-kah-rin-ic re-cep-tor) is a type of G protein-coupled receptor that responds to the molecule acetylcholine. Muscarinic receptors are present in cells of several different types and play a role in a variety of physiological responses.

Etymology

The term "muscarinic" is derived from muscarine, a toxin found in certain mushrooms. Muscarine was the first substance found to activate the muscarinic receptor.

Types of Muscarinic Receptors

There are five known types of muscarinic receptors, designated M1 through M5. Each type has a different distribution in the body and different effects on the cells in which it is found.

M1 - Found in the brain, autonomic ganglia, and gastric parietal cells.
M2 - Found in the heart, lungs, and smooth muscle.
M3 - Found in the smooth muscle, endothelium, and exocrine glands.
M4 - Found in the brain.
M5 - Found in the brain and exocrine glands.

Function

Muscarinic receptors play a role in a variety of physiological functions, including heart rate, digestion, and the function of smooth muscles. They are also involved in learning and memory in the brain.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Muscarinic receptor
Wikipedia's article - Muscarinic receptor

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Muscarinic receptor