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Acetylcholine Uses

In 1914, Henry Hallett Dale and Otto Loewi discovered the first neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Since then, the chemical has become a mainstay of several treatments, and its effects have become an essential part of cataract and Alzheimer's treatment, among others. While not without side effects, acetylcholine is a highly beneficial and versatile substance.

  1. Effects

    • Acetylcholine works on both the peripheral and central nervous systems. In the peripheral nervous system, it plays a vital role in activating muscles and acts as a major neurotransmitter for the autonomic nervous system. In the peripheral nervous system, acetylcholine activates muscles and is a major neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system. This is the system which controls heart rate, respiration and secretion, and acetylcholine plays a vital role in maintaining these functions.

    Cataract Treatment

    • Acetylcholine controls muscles in the peripheral nervous system, and this effect is put to good use in cataract surgery. Cataract surgery requires removal of the lens which has become clouded by the cataract, which is then replaced by an artificial lens. In order to do this successfully, the pupil must be constricted and acetylcholine is used to achieve this.

    Alzheimer's Treatment

    • Acetylcholine is also used in Alzheimer's treatment, albeit a little less directly. Cholinesterase inhibitors are chemicals designed to delay the degradation of acetylcholine and are sometimes administered as an Alzheimer's treatment. Because acetylcholine serves as a neurotransmitter, this slows or offsets the onset of Alzheimer's and its symptoms. According to the Alzheimer's Association, this has led to the FDA clearing cholinesterase inhibitors such as Aricept, Cognex and Razadyne for use in treating the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's, such as memory loss and reasoning difficulties.

    Side Effects

    • For all its benefits, acetylcholine has several side effects that can cause problems. The very nature of what it does means that the contraction of muscles, the slowing of the heartbeat or an increase in secretions can adversely affect existing conditions in those parts of the body. Acetylcholine and acetylcholine derivatives increase secretions and this, in turn, can exacerbate conditions such as stomach ulcers where an increase in stomach acid can cause further damage.

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