The word cholinergic stems from the word choline, which refers
to the quaternary ammonium salts which contain the
N,N-trimethylethanolammonium cation. In food, choline is found
in organ meats, egg yolk, wheat germ and brewer's yeast. Its
function in the body is to prevent deposits of fat in the liver
and encourage movement of fat into cells. Choline supplements
are sometimes recommended for those suffering from liver disease
or cirrhosis. It has some application in the treatment of
depression, Tourrette's disease, some seizure disorders and
schizophrenia. Pregnant women are urged to take supplements
containing choline to prevent neural tube defects in their
babies. Choline may have a role to play in decreasing swelling
and inflammation in those suffering from asthma and arthritis.
The term cholinergic is used in neuroscience to describe a
substance capable of producing, changing or releasing
acetylcholine at one of the body's acetylcholine receptors.
Receptors are considered cholinergic if it uses acetylcholi