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.
Eglen
R M
RM
Center for Biological Research, Roche Bioscience, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. richard.eglen@roche.com
Choppin
A
A
Dillon
M P
MP
Hegde
S
S
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