Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, exerts an anti-inflammatory effect, probably by inhibiting NF-kB.

This may, at least in part, explain certain neurotransmitter imbalances and other central nervous system abnormalities associated with inflammatory conditions.

The publication:

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Med Sci Monit. 2007 Dec;13(12):RA214-21.

Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase as possible markers of low-grade systemic inflammation.

Das UN.

UND Life Sciences, Shaker Heights, OH 44120, USA.

Summary of the abstract

Insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemias, metabolic syndrome X, and Alzheimer’s disease are characterized by low-grade systemic inflammation.

Recent studies showed that the plasma and tissue activities of two enzymes, butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase,  are both elevated in patients with Alzheimer’s, diabetes, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. High levels of these two enzymes result in low plasma and tissue levels of acetylcholine (ACh).

The “cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway” mediated by acetylcholine acts by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, probably by inhibiting NF-kB.

ACh is a neurotransmitter and regulates the levels and activities of serotonin, dopamine and other neuropeptides and thus, modulates both immune response and neurotransmission.

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