Muscarinic and Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Regulation of the Cardiovascular System

Abstract

Many different receptors and ion channels regulating ion currents are involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system (CVS). The functioning of the CVS occurs via mechanisms of both nervous and humoral regulation, and in both cases, acetylcholine receptors of different families and subtypes with different localization participate in the regulation processes. It has been shown that acetylcholine receptors are located on the cell membranes directly of the heart and blood vessels; and this review examines the mechanisms of regulation of the functions of the CVS with the participation of only those cholinergic receptors that are located in the tissue of the heart and blood vessels. In general, both muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors are widely represented in the tissues of the CVS. While muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are generally involved in the regulation of vascular tonus and contractility of the heart, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are mainly involved in the regulation of a number of important pathophysiological processes directly affecting the functioning of the CVS. Regulation of the functioning of cholinergic receptors can be considered as an addition to existing methods for the treatment of diseases of the CVS, including such diseases as atherosclerosis and heart failure. The use of blockers and activators of cholinergic receptors for the study and/or treatment of pathological conditions of the CVS is discussed.