The action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is mediated through two types of receptors, the ionotrophic nicotinic receptors and the metabotrophic muscarinic receptors. The muscarinic receptors belong to the superfamily of 7-TM G-protein-coupled receptors. Five subtypes of muscarinic receptors have been cloned and are named m1-m5.1-2
The muscarinic receptors are widely distributed throughout the body, but are predominantly expressed within the parasympathetic nervous system and exerts both excitatory and inhibitory control over central and peripheral tissues.1-2
Muscarinic receptors participate in a number of physiological functions such as regulation of heart rate, muscle contraction, cognition, sensory processing and motor control.1 They also participate in learning and memory processing.3-4
The m2 receptor is considered to be the predominant muscarinic receptor that is expressed in cardiac muscle.5
The m2 and m4 receptors mediate Ca2+ channel inhibition and Kir3 K+ channel activation by directly binding the Gbg subunit to the channel.6,7 Stimulation of the m2 receptor by acetylcholine in the heart results in activation of the Kir3.1/Kir3.4 channels causing a slowing in heart beat.7
Alomone Labs is pleased to offer a highly specific antibody directed against the 3rd intracellular loop of the human m2 receptor. Anti-M2 Muscarinic Receptor antibody (#AG1218) can be used in western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry applications. It has been designed to recognize m1 from mouse and rat and human samples.
