AHL is relatively rare (less than 100 cases have been reported in the medical literature as of 2006), it is seen in about 2% of ADEM cases, and is characterized by necrotizing vasculitis of venules and hemorrhage, and edema.
Acetylcholine has functions both in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and in the central nervous system (CNS) as a neuromodulator. In the peripheral nervous system, acetylcholine activates muscles, and is a major neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system.
Acetylcholine is released from a presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft. Once in the synaptic gap, acetylcholine can: - Bind to presynaptic receptors: presynaptic activation or inhibition leads to automodulation of the presynaptic cholinergic neuron.- Be degradated by acetylcholinesterase: activity of this enzime on acetylcholine triggers its degradation into choline and acetyl coenzime A, thus terminating its effect. number of drugs target acetylcholine receptors, blockade of these receptors is associated with anticholinergic (parasympatholytic) effect, while stimulation causes activation of cholinergic (parasympathomimetic) effects. This articles overviews the key concepts on the pharmacology of acetylcholine receptors, such as: