What is the hormone acetylcholine?

Acetylcholine (ACh) is one of the neurotransmitters found in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. In addition, acetylcholine also acts as an endocrine hormone, which is synthesized and secreted by airway bronchial epithelial cells.

The name acetylcholine is derived from the structure of this substance, a chemical compound made up of acetic acid and choline. It is not only the most common neurotransmitter, but also the first neurotransmitter to be identified.
Acetylcholine is very important for the body, performing a number of essential functions. Illness or the effects of certain medications can impair the function of this neurotransmitter.
Acetylcholine can be found in all motor neurons, helping to stimulate muscle contraction. From the contractions of the stomach and heart muscle, to the blink of an eye, every movement of the body involves this important neurotransmitter.
Acetylcholine is also found in many brain neurons, playing an important role in memory and cognition. Severe depletion of acetylcholine has been linked to Alzheimer's disease.

In addition to acting as an important neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems, acetylcholine (ACh) can also act as an endocrine or hormone signaling molecule in a variety of non-invasive tissues. right nerve. To demonstrate that ACh is an endocrine hormone in the lungs that is not of neuronal origin, the scientists examined the bronchial epithelium in newborn and adult monkeys, looking for components related to the signal. cholinergic nicotinic effects. Using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, they demonstrated in bronchopulmonary epithelial cells the expression of choline acetyltransferase, a form of ACh transporter. Under the microscope, the difference with neighboring nerve fibers can be clearly seen. Along with many other findings, ACh met all criteria for an endocrine, endocrine hormone in the bronchopulmonary epithelium. This finding helps provide a potentially important target for cholinergic drugs, while also explaining some of the effects of nicotine on fetal development, providing further mechanisms for how smoking affects development. development and growth of lung cancer.

Acetylcholine performs many functions in the body, including:
3.1. Muscles For the peripheral nervous system, acetylcholine is a major part of the somatic nervous system, playing a stimulating role to activate muscles.
With respect to the autonomic nervous system, acetylcholine controls several functions by acting on preganglionic neurons in the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. It is also a neurotransmitter released in all sympathetic organs, promoting contraction of smooth muscles, dilation of blood vessels, increased body secretions, and decreased heart rate.
Because acetylcholine plays an important role in how muscles work, drugs that affect this neurotransmitter can cause varying degrees of movement disorders, even paralysis.
For example, the brain can send signals to move the right arm. Signals are carried by nerve fibers to neuromuscular junctions. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine will transmit this signal across the junction, triggering the desired response in specific muscles.
3.2. Brain and Central Nervous System Acetylcholine also acts at different sites in the central nervous system, as both a neurotransmitter and a neuromodulator. They play a role in motivation, arousal, attention, learning and memory, and are also involved in the promotion of REM sleep.
Severe CNS cholinergic impairment is associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Drugs and substances that disrupt acetylcholine function can have negative effects on the body and even lead to death. Examples include certain pesticides and anesthetic gases.
Black widow spider venom works by releasing acetylcholine. When bitten, the victim's acetylcholine levels rise suddenly, leading to muscle spasms, paralysis, and even death.

In summary, acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in the normal function of the brain and body. If the release and function of this neurotransmitter is disrupted, it can lead to problems with memory and movement.
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References: ebi.ac.uk - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov - verywellmind.com