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muscarinic receptors

membrane-bound proteins whose extracellular domain contains a recognition site for acetylcholine (ACh); combination of Ach with the receptor initiates a physiologic change (slowing of heart rate, increased glandular secretory activity and stimulation of smooth muscle contractions); changes are observed after treatment with the mushroom alkaloid, muscarine. Muscarinic receptors are to be distinguished from nicotinic receptors.