Mechanism of action of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
There are 3 different types of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors – short-acting, medium-duration and irreversible inhibitors, which differ in their interactions with the active site of acetylcholinesterase. Neostigmine is a medium-duration acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that enhances cholinergic transmission in the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system and at neuromuscular junctions. Acetlycholinesterase inhibitors are an established therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
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References
Cholinergic transmission. In: Pharmacology, 4th edition. Rang HP, Dale MM and Ritter JM. Edinburgh, UK: Harcourt Publishers Ltd, 2001:110–138.