[The biochemical antagonism of cholinolytics and cholinomimetics at the level of the opiate system].

Abstract

The experiments on albino rats with the use of the radioimmunoassay showed that M-cholinoblockers (atropine, amizil, glypine) decrease the contents of enkephalins and beta-endorphin in the brain and blood whereas M-cholinomimetics (arecoline, nicotine, physostigmine) increase the level of opioid neuropeptides. This suggested that between cholinoblockers and cholinomimetics there is not only functional but also biochemical antagonism at the level of the opiate system. In addition, the statement is developed that toxic effects of cholinoblockers and cholinomimetics are largely related to disturbances of metabolism and function of opioid neuropeptides.