2013/09/01 by David W Laight · 1 citation
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Chemical Reactions and Isotopes #Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study #Ion channel regulation and function
paper · doi:10.12968/npre.2013.11.9.448
openalex publication_date 2013/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
This article outlines and explains in simple terms some of the foundational principles of the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the autonomic nervous system, with particular emphasis on its principal chemical neurotransmitters/ mediators: noradrenaline, adrenaline, and acetylcholine. It also provides an overview of the pharmacology of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction as part of the somatic nervous system. The neuronal synthesis, storage, release and re-uptake/inactivation of noradrenaline and acetylcholine are considered along with the major receptor types and subtypes that mediate the physiological responses to autonomic neurotransmission in target tissues. Furthermore, how such neurotransmission may be pharmacologically modulated is presented, along with clinical indications and applications of therapeutic agents where appropriate.