Hope over Down's learning problem Nov 21, 2009
They suspect the most fruitful approach might be to focus in tandem on noradrenaline and another brain chemical which has been implicated in Down's syndrome, called acetylcholine. Lead researcher Dr Ahmad Salehi said the study suggested that an early intervention with the right drugs might help children with Down's syndrome to collect and make sense of information. (BBC News -- Health)
Down Syndrome Deficit Reversed in Mice Nov 19, 2009
Other studies of drug therapies for Down syndrome have targeted a different neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which also acts at the hippocampus. Based on his team's new findings, Salehi said the ideal medication regimen for improving cognition in Down syndrome will likely improve both norepinephrine and acetylcholine signals ... Salehi and colleagues previously linked APP to the breakdown of neurons that make acetylcholine in these mice. (Science Daily)
Developmental delay could stem from nicotinic receptor deletion Nov 9, 2009
"It is a gene that mediates the response to nicotine via a receptor whose normal ligand is acetylcholine." The gene encodes a protein called an ion channel, which allows ions to flow in and out of neurons in the brain. Defects in ion channels have previously been associated with forms of epilepsy or seizure disorder. (EurekAlert!)
Risk of abnormally slow heart rate twice as high in those taking drugs to slow Alzheimer's Oct 2, 2009
It's known that people with dementia tend to have lower levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine; the drugs work by boosting these levels. Reported side effectsincluding diarrhea, muscle cramps and abnormally slow heartbeatmay be related to increasing levels of acetylcholine in the body. (EurekAlert!)
Blocking Signal Molecule Can Prevent Growth Of Large Intestine And Colon Cancer Sep 25, 2009
In her dissertation at Kalmar University in Sweden, Ann Novotny has found that the signal molecule acetylcholine (ACh) is important for the progress of cancer of the large intestine and colon, knowledge that is important to factor in when developing drugs that block the effects of Ach on tumor cells ... She also studied the nerve signaling molecule acetylcholine (ACh) and discovered that the cancer cells both build up and degrade the molecule ... This knowledge should help us develop drugs that... (Science Daily)
Alzheimer's disease Sep 21, 2009
The levels of important chemical transmitters, such as acetylcholine, are reduced. Many of the blood vessels of the brain are also damaged. (BBC News -- Health)
Gene trawl boosts hope in fight against Alzheimer's Sep 7, 2009
They inhibit an enzyme that reduces acetylcholine, a vital chemical used in communication between brain cells. A breakthrough is urgently needed. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Common Insect Repellent Affects Nervous System Aug 6, 2009
In experiments, Corbel and a team of scientists co-led by Bruno Lapied of the University of Angers discovered that deet interferes with the normal breaking down of acetylcholine (ACh), the most common neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It does so by blocking the enzyme that normally degrades ACh, acetylcholinesterase, or AChE. The result is a toxic build-up of ACh that ultimately prevents the transmission of signals across the neuron synapse, the study found. (Newsmax)
Avipaxin Is First Entrant in Medical Arsenal for Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Connection(C) Product and Testing Protocols Aug 5, 2009
Avipaxin supports acetylcholine levels by providing substrates for its production and by inhibiting its metabolizing enzyme, acetylcholinesterase ... Avipaxin modulates elevated cytokine levels by supporting acetylcholine-mediated signaling ... The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to down-regulate elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. (PR Newswire)
Eisai Receives Approval for a New Oral Jelly Formulation of Aricept(R) for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease in Japan Jul 24, 2009
Aricept is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor developed by Eisai, which works to increase levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. It is the only approved treatment for Alzheimer's disease in Japan, and is used in the treatment of patients with mild to severe forms of the disease. (JCN Network, Japan)
Promising New Treatment For Alzheimer’s Disease Jul 22, 2009
In theory, the carriers of the mutated gene should actually be more protected from the devastating effects of the disease, since the mutated protein (the enzyme that is the product of the gene) breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at a slower rate than in those who have the normal gene. The result is that the carriers maintain higher levels of this neurotransmitter, so they should in principle be protected from Alzheimer's disease, in which acetylcholine levels decrease. (Science Daily)
Barrow researchers identify new brain receptor, possible target for Alzheimer's treatment Jul 17, 2009
That degeneration is associated with losses of the chemical messenger, acetylcholine, and some of the molecules that translate acetylcholine's messages, called nicotinic receptors ... They first found that acetylcholine signaling at those receptors was highly sensitive to blockage even by low levels of AB. They also found that AB as small aggregates -- and not large plaques of AB -- had this same blocking effect ... "Our hypothesis is that as AB begins to increase, it first blocks acetylcholine... (EurekAlert!)
A few drinks 'cuts dementia risk' Jul 14, 2009
"Additionally, animal studies have shown that low amounts of alcohol stimulate the release of acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain that is important in memory.". Dr Sink added: "We cannot recommend that older adults who don't drink start drinking alcohol based on this study. "But it is reasonable to say that if you are already a light to moderate drinker, you may be at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. (BBC News -- Health)
No Evidence That WHO-recommended Treatment For Insecticide Poisoning Improves Survival Jul 6, 2009
If ingested by humans the pesticides disrupt the communication between the brain and body, inhibiting the activity of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which plays a crucial role in the central nervous system and the control of breathing. To treat organophosphate poisoning, the WHO recommends that in addition to atropine, an antidote that is known to reverse some but not all of the effects of the poisoning, a regimen of pralidoxime should be used to reactivate acetylcholine activity ...... (Science Daily)
Brown University research on brain’s alpha-7 receptor may yield drugs for hard-to-treat diseases Jun 29, 2009
The hole, normally closed, opens when it comes into contact with acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, or a chemical that acts like a trigger for various activities within the cell. Acetylcholine occurs naturally in the body, but its effects can be mimicked by nicotine, which is why alpha-7 and its relatives are called nicotinic receptors ... The Brown research indicated that alpha-7 drugs could provide a way to compensate for the loss of acetylcholine in Alzheimer s disease and similar... (Boston Globe)
Put Brain On Diet To Lose Weight Jun 16, 2009
However, Bravermans book outlines a diet that includes food that will keep critical brain chemicals such as dopamine, acetylcholine, gama-aminobutryric acid -- or GABA -- and serotonin -- in balance ... Acetylcholine controls the speed at which the electrical signals from the brain are sent throughout the body. (Click2Houston, TX)
Some Over-the-Counter Sleep, Cold Meds Could Harm Aging Brain Jun 6, 2009
All of these over-the-counter (OTC) drugs contain benadryl (diphenhydramine), a molecule that blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is essential for normal functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems, the researchers explained. (MEDLINEplus)
Commonly Used Medications May Produce Cognitive Impairment In Older Adults Jun 4, 2009
(May 5, 2008) Older adults who take drugs designed to block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine -- including common medications for incontinence, high blood pressure and allergies -- are more likely to be dependent. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Genes: An Extra Hurdle To Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy? May 21, 2009
Freathy et al. A common genetic variant in the 15q24 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene cluster (CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4) is associated with a reduced ability of women to quit smoking in pregnancy. Human Molecular Genetics, 2009; DOI. (Science Daily)
Author: Brain key to losing weight May 20, 2009
And that four brain chemicals dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA and serotonin make sure this electricity gets to the body the right way. I m convinced we can actually get smarter as we age. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Alzheimer's trials make a dent, offer hope May 9, 2009
Four of the drugs are cholinesterase inhibitors, which work to increase levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in memory and other thought processes. -- Aricept (donepezil): Approved in 1996, this once-a-day medication is the most popular Alzheimer's drug and is approved to treat all stages of the disease. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Drink Away Dementia? May 5, 2009
It may increase the release of a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which helps brain cells communicate with each other. The new results conflict with those from an earlier study, reported in 2007 in the journal Neurology, that found people with mild cognitive impairment might slow their mental decline with up to one drink a day. (MEDLINEplus)
FDA Approves DYSPORT(TM) for Therapeutic and Aesthetic Uses Apr 30, 2009
and PARIS, April 30, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medicis (NYSE: - ) and Ipsen (Euronext:IPN) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of the Biologics License Application (BLA) for DYSPORT(TM) (abobotulinumtoxinA), an acetylcholine release inhibitor and a neuromuscular blocking agent ... DYSPORT(TM) is a neuromuscular blocking toxin which acts to block acetylcholine release at motor nerve ends and reduces muscular spasm. (Primezone Releases)
Dr. Eric Braverman says the food pyramid may just be too simplistic Apr 9, 2009
"When this happens, you'll find that you can actually lose weight and keep those pounds from coming back.According to Braverman, the foods that promote excellent brain chemistry provide an increased sense of well-being and high energy."Many have dopamine-boosting properties, so they increase your metabolism and curb your cravings," he says. "High acetylcholine foods reduce your need for bad fats. High GABA foods alleviate stress and enable you to have better portion control. (Northwest Indiana Times)
Nicotine May Have More Profound Impact Than Previously Thought Apr 5, 2009
The Brown University researchers looked specifically at the alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in mouse brain tissue ... Most receptors are on the surface of cells and are sensitive to small signaling molecules such as the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is the naturally occurring signal the body uses to activate alpha-7 receptors ... To conduct their study, Hawrot's lab looked at mice genetically engineered by other researchers to lack the alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. (Science Daily)
New Drug To Curb Smoking Shows Positive Results Apr 4, 2009
Varenicline tartrate is a selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor which is licensed in Europe, the USA and Japan. This study further evaluates and establishes the efficacy, tolerability and safety profiles of varenicline in Asian smokers. (Science Daily)
Whole-brain Circuit Map Could Reveal What Goes Wrong In Autism, Schizophrenia And Other Brain Disorders Apr 4, 2009
Some scientists have argued that it would be best to map mouse brain structure at the micro-level of individual synapses the myriad gaps across which individual neurons communicate, with the help of neurotransmitters and modulators such as glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, dopamine and serotonin. But this isn't technologically feasible to do on a brain-wide scale for a mouse, let alone larger vertebrate brains. (Science Daily)
Nature Reviews Rheumatology (formerly Nature Clinical Practice Rheumatology) Apr 1, 2009
7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in this pathway, and highlights novel strategies that could exploit these targets in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Current Issue. (Nature News Service)
Caltech researchers find tiny genetic change keeps nicotine from binding to muscle cells Mar 24, 2009
After all, the receptor it binds to in the brain's neurons--a type of acetylcholine receptor, which also binds the neurotransmitter acetylcholine--is found in large numbers in muscle cells ... That subtlety, it turns out, lies in the slight tweaking of the structure of the acetylcholine receptor in muscle cells versus its structure in brain cells ... The shape of the acetylcholine receptor, and the way the chemicals that bind with it contort themselves to fit into that receptor, is determined by... (EurekAlert!)
Does Detrol have negative impact on memory? Mar 20, 2009
There is increasing evidence, though, that drugs that affect the activity of the brain chemical acetylcholine can impair cognitive function, especially in older people (Neurological Sciences online, Feb. 20, 2009). Medications like Detrol and Ditropan can cause dry mouth and constipation as well as confusion, disorientation and hallucinations. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Protein 'behind Alzheimer's fits' Mar 19, 2009
They work by stopping the breakdown of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter associated with memory. Our findings could lead to a rethink of the type of drugs that are given to patients with Alzheimer's disease. (BBC News)
The Lancet Publishes Two-Year Results of Abbott's Fully Bioabsorbable Drug Eluting Stent Mar 13, 2009
Restoration of vasomotion (ability of the blood vessel to contract and expand) was observed at two years, with the drug acetylcholine used in nine patients showing vasodilation in the previously stented area, and the drug methergin used in seven patients showing vasoconstriction in the previously stented area. Reduction in plaque area in treated arteries, corresponding to an increase in blood flow between six months and two years, as confirmed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and virtual... (PR Newswire)
Help for smokers Feb 17, 2009
These drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a signal transmitter in the nervous system ... Oncken c, Gonzales D, Nides M, Rennard S, Watsky E, Billing, CB, Anziano R, Reeves K. Efficacy and safety of the novel selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, varenicline, for smoking cessation. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Hildreth: No magic pill to beat Alzheimer’s Feb 14, 2009
There are many diverse medical theories including biochemistry of acetylcholine and neurotransmitters, inflammation, oxidative stress and homocysteine buildup within the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Each patient must be evaluated on his or her own merits. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Healthful Hints: Liposuction, Botox both can be used to treat excessive armpit sweating Feb 10, 2009
The mechanism involved blocks nerves that stimulate sweat glands from releasing acetylcholine, the chemical that causes glands to produce. Surgical selections have included simply cutting out a portion of pit skin, effectively removing from operation a bunch of the leaky bad boys. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology Feb 8, 2009
Acetylcholine may help advance toxicology monitoring techniques via miniaturizing nanotechnology. this review about how organic biomarkers and magnetic immunoassay lead to novel biomonitoring. (Nature News Service)
Nature Reviews Cancer Feb 8, 2009
Neurotransmitters released through the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulate the synthesis and release of growth, angiogenic and neurotrophic factors. Evidence suggests that smoking and possibly other factors increase the activity of certain nAChRs, and might therefore contribute to tumour development. (Nature News Service)
Hildreth on Health Feb 8, 2009
Two or three chemical deficiencies that are common are reduced levels of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters, also essential fatty acids. The brain is made up of essential fatty acids that are easily oxidized. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Alzheimer's Drugs Also Treat Behavioral, Psych Problems Feb 7, 2009
Cholinesterase inhibitors boost levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which assists memory, thought and judgment. "There is a need for safe alternatives to the antipsychotic drugs currently used to manage the behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The results of the studies we analyzed are encouraging and suggestive that cholinesterase inhibitors are safe and effective alternatives," review co-author Dr. Malaz Boustani, an assistant professor of medicine at the... (MEDLINEplus)
