Glossary A
Glossary A
Anticholinergic agents refer to medication drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter with an effect opposite to that of dopamine. By blocking the action of acetylcholine, these drugs increase the ability of dopamine to control movement. Examples of anticholinergic drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson disease include trihexyphenidyl (Artane®), benztropine (Cogentin®), and ethopropazine (Parsidol®).
Anticholinergic hallucinogens refer to a class of drugs including Atropine and Scopolamine.
Anticholinesterase refers to an agent that inhibits action of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE is an enzyme that inactivates acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter at the junctions of nerve and muscle cells (neuromuscular junctions) that regulates the delivery of messages from neurons to muscle fibers. By inhibiting the activity of AChE, such medications allow high levels of acetylcholine to accumulate, potentially enabling repeated stimulation of nerves at neuromuscular junctions.
Anticipatory contrast refers to the the process whereby the rate of response varies inversely with an upcoming ("anticipated”) change in the rate of reinforcement.