Cholinergics/Anticholinergics/Muscarinics/Nicotinics

Abstract

This chapter quickly summarizes the cholinergic nervous system and the structures of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. The structure–activity relationships of muscarinic agonists and antagonists are discussed with reference to attempts to develop of drugs selective for one of the five muscarinic receptors, both agonist and antagonists. The structure–activity relationships of agonists and antagonists of nicotinic receptors are presented with initial concentration on the neuronal nicotinic receptors and ending with neuromuscular blockers used in surgery.