Acetylcholin als non‐neuronales Signalmolekül

The non‐neuronal cholinergic system Lately there was increasing evidence that acetylcholine plays an important role as a signalling molecule in non‐neuronal cells, besides its well known function as a neurotransmitter. The so‐called non‐neuronal cholinergic system (NNCS) was detected in many organs such as lung, skin and placenta, where it is involved in the regulation of diverse physiological processes. Additionally there is increasing evidence that the NNCS may be involved in the pathogenesis of diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Therefore detailed investigation of the NNCS is essential for a better understanding of human physiology and for developing improved therapies.