M₄ Receptors

M₄ receptors are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family which are found mostly bound to G_i proteins, generally leading to inhibitory effects. They are one of five muscarinic receptors that act to control the metabotropic functions of acetylcholine in the CNS. M₄ receptors are densely populated in the striatum and the lungs.

Activation of the M₄ receptor leads to several responses, including the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. One of the primary roles of M₄ receptor activation is the indirect mediation of dopaminergic neurotransmission via its cholinergic activity. M₄ activation has shown to inhibit D₁-induced locomotor stimulation. Other functions of M₄ receptor stimulation include wound healing and hair follicle cycling.

M₄ receptors are involved in pathological processes including Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and have also been implicated in several mood disorders including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The targeting of the M₄ receptor has been suggested to have therapeutic potential for the treatment of these conditions.

External sources of pharmacological information for M₄ Receptors :

• IUPHAR Receptor Code

• BJP Guide

Literature for M₄ Receptors

Tocris offers the following scientific literature for M₄ 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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M₄ Receptor Gene Data