M₅ Receptors

M₅ receptors are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family which are found mostly bound to G_q proteins. They are the last of five muscarinic receptors that act to control the metabotropic functions of acetylcholine (ACh) in the central nervous system (CNS). M₅ receptors are most densely populated in the dopamine-containing neuronal cells of the substantia nigra, hippocampus, cerebral cortex and striatum.

Activation of the M₅ receptor leads to several responses, including the activation of ion channels such as K⁺ and Cl^- and the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. M₅ receptor agonism modulates the activity of dopaminergic neurons and the release of dopamine into the striatum, which play an important role in mediating properties of abusive substances such as cocaine. In fact the M₅ receptor has been implicated in drug addiction and may represent a therapeutic target. Endothelial M₅ receptors also control the ability of acetylcholine to establish vasodilation in vascular beds, dramatically affecting cerebral blood flow.

M₅ receptors may also be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of memory deficits caused by impaired cerebrovascular function.

External sources of pharmacological information for M₅ Receptors :

• IUPHAR Receptor Code

• BJP Guide

Literature for M₅ Receptors

Tocris offers the following scientific literature for M₅ Receptors to showcase our products. We invite you to request* your copy today!

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Alzheimer's Disease Poster

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating and progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia, affecting approximately 30% of individuals aged over 85 years. This poster summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms of AD.

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M₅ Receptor Gene Data