Muscarinic Receptors: Their Roles in Disorders of the Central Nervous System and Potential as Therapeutic Targets

Phylogenetically, acetylcholine is an ancient neurochemical. Therefore, it is not surprising that cholinergic neurons project extensively throughout the central nervous system, innervating a wide range of structures within the brain. In fact, acetylcholine is involved in processes that underpin some of our most basic central functions. Both muscarinic and nicotinic receptor families, which mediate cholinergic transmission, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric and neurological disorders. The question that remains to be definitively answered is whether or not these receptors are viable targets for the development of future therapeutic agents.