Acetylcholine (ACh) is a critical neurotransmitter that plays essential roles in neurotransmission throughout the nervous system. Neurons that release acetylcholine are referred to as cholinergic neurons, and the synapses where ACh is the primary neurotransmitter are known as cholinergic synapses. Cholinergic synapses are found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the CNS, cholinergic synapses are involved in the processes of learning, memory, and attention, whilst in the PNS, cholinergic synapses are prevalent at the neuromuscular junction, where they transmit signals from motor neurons to skeletal muscles, leading to muscle contraction. Acetylcholine is synthesized in cholinergic neurons by the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) which transfers an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to choline taken up by the high-affinity choline transporter (CHT). This forms acetylcholine, which is then packaged into synaptic vesicles. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal of a cholinergic neuron, voltage-gated calcium channels open, leading to an influx of calcium ions. This rise in intracellular calcium triggers the fusion of acetylcholine-containing vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, releasing acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft by exocytosis, allowing acetylcholine to diffuse across the synaptic cleft. Acetylcholine exerts its effects by binding two main types of receptors: nicotinic receptors and muscarinic receptors. Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that allow the flow of ions across the postsynaptic membrane. Upon binding, these channels open, leading to depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane and the generation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). Nicotinic receptors are found at neuromuscular junctions, where they mediate fast excitatory transmission to skeletal muscle cells. Muscarinic receptors in contrast are G-protein-coupled receptors that activate intracellular signalling pathways. They are found throughout the nervous system and can lead to either excitatory or inhibitory responses, depending on the type of receptor. Muscarinic receptors play roles in regulation of heart rate, smooth muscle contraction, and modulation of synaptic transmission in the CNS. In the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary physiological functions, acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter for the parasympathetic division. Postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic system release ACh, which binds to muscarinic receptors on target organs and tissues. This activation leads to a "rest and digest" response, promoting activities such as slowing heart rate, increasing digestion, and constricting certain smooth muscles. In the CNS, acetylcholine is involved in various cognitive processes, particularly learning and memory. Cholinergic neurons project to multiple brain regions, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Cholinergic transmission in these areas is crucial for synaptic plasticity. Acetylcholine therefore facilitates long-term potentiation (LTP), a process that strengthens synaptic connections and underlies learning and memory. Drugs that modulate cholinergic transmission, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, have been used to treat cognitive deficits in disorders like Alzheimer's disease. At the neuromuscular junction, acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that mediates communication between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibres. When an action potential reaches a motor neuron’s axon terminal, acetylcholine is released, leading to the activation of nicotinic receptors on the muscle cell membrane. This activation causes muscle contraction and is critical for movement and motor control. We provide a large product catalogue of research tools for investigating acetylcholine, including Acetylcholinesterase antibodies, PBP antibodies, Choline Acetyltransferase antibodies, Acetylcholinesterase ELISA Kits, and Choline Acetyltransferase ELISA Kits. Explore our full acetylcholine product range below and discover more, for less.