Acetylcholine Release in Human Heart Atrium

Abstract

This analysis clearly indicates that acetylcholine release in human atria is controlled by muscarinic M(2)-receptors. Blockade of these receptors by atropine doubles the amount of acetylcholine released at a stimulation frequency of 5 Hz. In atria of patients >70 years of age and patients with late diabetic complications, acetylcholine release is reduced. Locally impaired cardiac acetylcholine release may therefore represent a pathophysiological link to sudden cardiac death in elderly and diabetic patients.