Calcium and the muscarinic receptor.

Pharmacological receptors may be viewed as composed of two linked functions, a recognition site through which the specificity and selectivity of ligand action is expressed and an amplification or catalytic site which translates the ligand-recognition site interaction into response. The successful elucidation of receptor mechanisms requires analysis of both sites. The muscarinic cholinergic receptors of guinea-pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle will be discussed from this two function stand point and the source and utilization of Ca2+ in excitation-contraction coupling discussed.