Nicotinic cholinergic receptors allow simultaneous passage o

Nicotinic cholinergic receptors allow simultaneous passage of Na^+ and K^+. What neurotransmitter do these receptors bind? Explain how stimulation of these channels leads to excitation.

Solution

7). Acetylcholine is a chemical substance, which acts as a neurotransmitter at both the ganglia and effector organ sites of the parasympathetic nervous system. In the sympathetic nervous system, acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter at the ganglia.

Acetylcholine acts through the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nACh) and the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mACh).

Stimulation of nicotinic-type of acetylcholine receptors causes the influx of sodium ions and efflux of potassium ions. The sodium entering into the cell exceeds the potassium moving out of the cell. So, the membrane potential becomes less negative, this is called as \"depolarization.\"