Question

A genetic disorder in patient X results in the production of quadruple the quantity of acetylcholinesterase in the peripheral nervous system. What symptoms would you expect in this patient? How might you treat their condition? 


Answer 1

Excessive amounts of acetylcholine relative to other neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine has an adverse effect on brain function. Larger quantities of acetylcholine acts like an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and therefore as acetylcholine levels increase in the brain, the levels of the other neurotransmitters decrease. A decline in memory, motivation, higher-order thought processes, sexual desire and activity, and sleep (among other things) would be expected in such a case. In terms of mood, some of the outcomes maybe produces anxiety, emotional lability, irritability, anger, aggressiveness, negative rumination, impatience, and impulsiveness. In this regard, SSRI medication, usually prescribed as antidepressants can be helpful. SSRI acts by increasing serotonin, are able to lower acetylcholine levels, thereby lessening or eliminating the symptoms associated with high acetylcholine