Cholinergic receptors or cholinoceptors are classified into muscarinic or nicotinic receptors based on their affinity for a particular alkaloid—muscarine or nicotine.

The mAChR have more affinity for muscarine than ACh or nicotine.

Structurally, they are GPCRs and are classified into five subtypes: M₁ to M₅.

The odd-numbered subtypes are linked with a G_q protein that activates phospholipase C via the IP₃ /DAG pathway which increases intracellular Ca²⁺ to generate physiological responses.

On the other hand the M₂ and M₄ receptors are coupled to G_i proteins and inhibit adenylyl cyclase. This decreases cAMP and opens K⁺ channels resulting in hyperpolarization of excitable tissues.

M₁ receptors are located in the CNS, exocrine glands, and autonomic ganglia, while M₂ receptors are located in the cardiac tissues.

M₃ receptors are located in exocrine glands and smooth muscles. M₄ and M₅ receptors are located mainly in the CNS.

The pharmacological actions of acetylcholine are elicited via its binding to two families of cholinergic receptors or cholinoceptors, namely, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Muscarinic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors and have five subtypes, M₁–M₅. All mAChR subtypes are activated by acetylcholine and blocked by the antagonist, atropine.

The subtypes M₁, M_3, and M₅ couple with the G_qsubunit and activate the phospholipase C (PLC) activity, mobilizing intracellular Ca²⁺. Activation of PLC proceeds with the production of secondary messengers, inositol-1,4,5-phosphate (IP₃) and diacylglycerol (DAG). IP₃ ion-channel receptor stimulation releases intracellular Ca²⁺ from the endoplasmic reticulum. DAG and Ca²⁺ activate protein kinase C (PKC), which phosphorylates protein to generate physiological effects.

The subtypes M₂ and M₄ couple with the G_i subunit to decrease adenylyl cyclase activity and increase K⁺ conductance. This reduces cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), activates inwardly rectifying potassium currents, and inhibits voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels. The result is inhibition and hyperpolarization of excitable membranes.

M₁ receptors, also called neural receptors, are primarily located in the CNS, PNS, and parietal cells. These receptors regulate gastrointestinal secretions following vagal stimulation, learning, motor function, and memory. M₂ receptors, also called cardiac receptors, are majorly located in the heart and regulate negative inotropic and chronotropic effects while simultaneously stimulating smooth muscle contractions. M₃ receptors are abundantly present in the smooth muscles and glands, where their activation stimulates muscle contraction and gland secretion. M₄ and M₅ receptors are located within the CNS and limit transmitter release.

タグ

PLAYLIST