Anticholinesterase Agents

Although the anticholinesterase (anti-ChE) agents have only limited applica tions in therapy, and from the viewpoint of practical significance they are more appropriately classified as toxic compounds or insecticides than as drugs, in their capacity of pharmacological tools they have few equals. The concept of neuro humoral transmission was originally established largely from experiments in which physostigmine, or eserine, was employed to protect acetylcholine (ACh), the trans mitter of the cholinergic nerves, from rapid hydrolytic destruction by acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and other cholinesterases (ChE's). Since then, a great num ber of additional reversible and irreversible anti-ChE agents also have been indis pensable in studies of synaptic and neuroeffector transmission, and of other physiological processes. At the same time, there is practically no other class of compounds for which a mechanism of pharmacological action can be described in such concrete biochemical and physiological terms. Consequently, it is not sur prising that a huge literature has developed on these several closely interdependent topics. The assembling anrl proper correlation of this material for the present volume has taken the collaborative efforts of over two dozen . investigators. It iR believed that their contributions to this end will prove invaluable to future in vestigators in providing a ready, inclusive source of established information, in defining areas where further studies are indicated, and in preventing unnecessary duplication of past work. How well these aims have been accomplished will be for time and the reader to judge.

Physiological Pharmacology: A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume III: The Nervous System — Part C: Autonomic Nervous System Drugs focuses on the effects of drugs on the nervous system, including cardiovascular effects and metabolism. The selection first offers information on the cardiovascular effects of choline esters and the effects of choline esters on smooth muscles and secretions. Topics include actions of acetylcholine, physiological role of choline esters, and actions of cholinergic drugs on smooth muscles and secretions. The book also takes a look at the pharmacologic, toxicologic, and therapeutic properties of anticholinesterase agents, including the chemistry and metabolism of anticholinesterase substances and mechanisms of action of anticholinesterase agents and role of cholinesterases. The publication examines muscarinic blocking drugs and ganglion-blocking drugs. Discussions focus on actions on the secretory glands and cardiovascular system; distribution, metabolism, and excretion of atropine; substances that block ganglionic transmission; and cardiovascular effects. The text also elaborates on neuromuscular blocking drugs. The selection is a dependable reference for readers interested in the effects of drugs on the nervous system.

Anticholinergic Drugs