Review article acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: A milestone to treat neurological disorders

Abstract

The Autonomic Nervous system possesses one of most potential neurotransmitter-Acetylcholine (ACh). Acetylcholine (ACh) interacts with mainly two types of receptors�Muscarinic and Nicotinic. These receptors are present in various parts of the body and impart highly efficient actions directly on various systems of the human body such as cardiovascular system, respiratory system, urinary system, nervous system, ocular system and many more. The hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is involved as the principal mechanism of cholinergic signalling. The hydrolytic enzyme involved is acetylcholinesterase (AChE) which catalyzes acetylcholine (ACh) into choline and acetic acid. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterases, the amount of acetylcholine increases and possesses greater neuromuscular and other blocking effects. The basic mechanism behind the functioning of Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is to slower the hydrolysis rate of the Acetylcholine. The effects produced are similar to the excessive stimulation of the cholinergic system. Anticholinesterase inhibitors have wide range of utilization and large diversity of drugs involved. The newer acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have greater and potential effects than the classical ones. Because of the greater diversity for the anticholinesterase compounds there has been complexity in understanding the various interactions as well as health consequences involved. Thus, the newer techniques have helped in determining the effects of the acetylcholine inhibitors in various diseases such as Myasthenia Gravis, Alzheimer�s etc. This article explicate the drugs which help in the prolonging the effect of Acetylcholine by the inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Furthermore, the effect on human body, its sub types, interaction, mechanism, pharmacological properties has been well explained in this review text.