2020 Research / Working Memory
M1 Receptors are Key to Working Memory (March 2020)Working memory is the ability to hold a thought in mind, even through distraction. It is the foundation of abstract reasoning and a defining characteristic of the human brain. In disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, working memory is impaired. Now Yale researchers have found a key molecule that helps neurons maintain information in working memory, which could lead to potential treatments for neurocognitive disorders, they report . The new study shows that these prefrontal cortical circuits depend upon the neurotransmitter acetylcholine stimulating muscarinic M1 receptors aligned on the surface of neurons of the prefrontal cortex. Blocking muscarinic M1 receptors reduced the firing of neurons involved in working memory, while activating the M1 receptors helped restore neuronal firing. Because acetylcholine actions at M1 receptors are reduced in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, the M1 receptor may serve as a potential therapeutic target, the authors suggest. – Yale University |
Fluoride Decreases M1 Receptors"Objective: To observe the changes of learning and memory ability and detect the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR, M receptor) at mRNA and protein levels in brains of offspring, rats with chronic fluorosis, and, to reveal the mechanism of the central, nervous system damage... "Conclusion: The expression of M receptor at protein and mRNA levels in offspring rat brains of different ages are significantly declined, which might be one of the mechanism of the decreased ability of learning and memory induced by fluoride toxicity. [Wang Y, et al. 2015, Chinese Journal of Endemiology] * * * * * * * "Our results showed that as compared to controls, the abilities of learning and memory were declined in the adult rats and the offspring rats... in the fluoride groups; the expressions of both M1 and M3 mAChRs were significantly reduced." [Dong YT, et al. 2015, Archives of Toxicology] |