Cholinesterase inhibitors: in search of cholinergic deficits

Potentiation by cholinesterase inhibitors of cholinergic activity in rat isolated stomach and colon.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors stimulate gastrointestinal (GI) motility and are potential treatments of conditions associated with inadequate GI motility. The ability of itopride to facilitate neuronally (predominantly cholinergic) mediated contractions of rat isolated stomach, evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS), has been compared with other cholinesterase inhibitors and with ...

Cholinergic neuronal deficits in CADASIL.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous evidence from MRI and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry suggests cholinergic fibers are affected in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). METHODS As a measure of cholinergic function, we assessed choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities in the frontal and temporal neocortices and the immunocyt...

Cholinesterase inhibitors and memory.

A consensus exists that cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are efficacious for mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Unfortunately, the number of non-responders is large and the therapeutic effect is usually short-lasting. In experimental animals, ChEIs exert three main actions: inhibit cholinesterase (ChE), increase extracellular levels of brain acetylcholine (ACh), improve cognitive proce...

Two selective inhibitors of cholinesterase.

Use of cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older people, with about half a million people affected in the UK. Its effects are devastating and far-reaching for sufferers, their carers and society in general – the Audit Commission estimated the annual cost of dementia care for 1998–1999 at £6.1 billion (Audit Commission, 2000). There is no cure and it is terminal within 3 to 7 ye...