M₁ Receptors

M₁ receptors are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family which are found mostly bound to G_q proteins. They are one of five muscarinic receptors that act to control the metabotropic functions of acetylcholine (ACh) in the central nervous system (CNS). M₁ receptors are most densely populated in the neuronal cells of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Activation of the M₁ receptor leads to several responses, including the upregulation of phospholipase C, the activation of ion channels such as K⁺ and Cl^- and the inhibition of cAMP production. M₁ receptor agonism can also lead to secretion (from the salivary gland, or stomach) and bronchoconstriction. Overall, M₁ receptors are involved in numerous processes including the control of seizures, regulation the force of cardiac muscle contraction and most importantly mediating cognitive processes such as memory and learning.

M₁ receptors are a well-known therapeutic target in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Activation of the M₁ receptor by selective agonists increases the secretion of non-toxic α-amyloid peptide and decreases harmful β-amyloid secretion from amyloid precursor proteins.

External sources of pharmacological information for M₁ Receptors :

• IUPHAR Receptor Code

• BJP Guide

Literature for M₁ Receptors

Tocris offers the following scientific literature for M₁ Receptors to showcase our products. We invite you to request* your copy today!

*Please note that Tocris will only send literature to established scientific business / institute addresses.

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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M₁ Receptor Gene Data