cholinergic cholinergic cholinergic agents are compounds which mimic the action of acetylcholine and/or butyrylcholine. in general, the word "choline" describes the various quaternary ammonium salts containing the n,n,n-trimethylethanolammonium cation. found in most animal tissues, choline is a primary component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and functions with inositol as a basic constituent of lecithin. choline also prevents fat deposits in the liver and facilitates the movement of fats into cells. the n,n,n-trimethylethanolammonium cation, with an undefined counteranion, x− acetylcholine