Behavioral correlates of presynaptic events in the cholinergic neurotransmitter system.

Abstract

A quarter century ago in the Epilogue to his critical review of information about “Drug and Chemical Stimulation of the Brain” Myers (215a) stated: “Most impressive is the singular fact that ACh is the only substance that can influence every physiological or behavioral response thus far examined.” The present quarter century has seen our knowledge about the cholinergic neurotransmitter system develop by quantal steps arising from imaginative new concepts and from innovative techniques for testing hypotheses generated by them. The new knowledge is upgrading our basic understanding of the roles of the cholinergic system in functions, both centrally and peripherally, within the organism. It is contributing very significantly to our understanding of ways in which the system may malfunction and enter into abnormal states of the organism. Such information is essential to uncovering the etiology of human behavioral disorders and the invention of treatments for them. These are disorders that affect human health and happiness and may, through illness, incapacitation and demand for health services, have an important impact on a society’s economy. The paragraphs that follow are viewed within this broad context. They focus on how presynaptic events in the cholinergic system are involved as living organisms cope with their physical and psychosocial environments.