Muscarinic receptor ligands and their therapeutic potential.
Over the past year, the introduction of novel ligands has accelerated the classification of muscarinic receptor subtypes and has led to a better understanding of their physiological role. Important in this respect is the recent recognition of the exquisite selectivity of a series of snake toxins, enabling better definition of the muscarinic subtype 4 receptor. Moreover, several compounds, both agonists and antagonists, are progressing in advanced clinical trials for the treatment of several conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, pain, urinary incontinence and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Center for Biological Research, Roche Bioscience, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. richard.eglen@roche.com
R M
RM
Eglen
A
A
Choppin
M P
MP
Dillon
S
S
Hegde
D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D018721:Muscarinic Agonists / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*
D008024:Ligands; D018721:Muscarinic Agonists; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic