Acetylcholine Chloride

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Cat Number

API0231612

CAS Number

60-31-1

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

60-31-1

EINECS

200-468-8

Storage

Store at 2-8℃

Synonyms

Miochol; Chloroacetylcholine; Ovisot; ACH chloride; 2-Acetoxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride; Choline acetate (ester) chloride; Ethanaminium, 2-(acetyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethyl-, chloride

Molecular Formula

C7H16ClNO2

Molecular Weight

181.66

Smiles

CC(=O)OCC[N+](C)(C)C.[Cl-]

Appearance

White crystalline powder

Melting Point

146-153℃

Relative Density

1.1235 (Predicted)

General Description

Acetylcholine chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound that functions as a cholinergic neurotransmitter. For clinical use, it is prepared as an intraocular solution (Miochol-E) for rapid miosis during ophthalmic surgery. The drug is extremely short-acting due to rapid hydrolysis by acetylcholinesterase in tissues, limiting its therapeutic applications to local administration.

Mechanism of Action

Acetylcholine directly stimulates nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors on the iris sphincter muscle, causing rapid contraction (miosis). When injected into the anterior chamber, it also contracts the ciliary muscle, reducing intraocular pressure by improving aqueous outflow. The effect lasts only seconds to minutes because endogenous esterases rapidly cleave the molecule.

Application

Acetylcholine chloride is indicated for the production of rapid, complete miosis during cataract surgery, corneal transplant, and other anterior segment procedures. Achieving a constricted pupil protects the corneal endothelium and facilitates lens removal. The drug is injected intracamerally after lens extraction.

Using three‑dimensional imaging of solvent‑cleared organs and the xCell tool, investigators found severe damage to the enteric nervous system and reduced choline acetyltransferase expression in inflammatory bowel disease patients. Consequently, acetylcholine levels were markedly decreased in colon tissues of both IBD patients and colitis mice. Administering acetylcholine via enema dramatically improved colitis in mice, an effect dependent on monocytic myeloid‑derived suppressor cells. Acetylcholine promoted IL‑10 secretion from these cells through the nAChR/ERK pathway. This newly identified cholinergic neuroimmune pathway offers a potential therapeutic strategy for IBD.

Fig. 1 The impaired neuronal network is accompanied by reduced ChAT expression and ACh production in UC patients. (Zheng W, et al., 2021)

References

Zheng W, et al. Acetylcholine ameliorates colitis by promoting IL-10 secretion of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells through the nAChR/ERK pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021;118(11):e2017762118.

Does Acetylcholine Chloride require refrigerated storage as a cholinergic agonist?

Yes, it must be stored at 2-8°C. The ester bond is highly susceptible to hydrolysis at room temperature, leading to rapid loss of activity.

Is Acetylcholine Chloride sensitive to light during handling and storage?

Yes, it is photosensitive. Store in light-resistant containers, preferably amber glass, to prevent photodegradation.

What is the stability of Acetylcholine Chloride after reconstitution for ophthalmic or diagnostic use?

Reconstituted solutions degrade within hours at room temperature. For extended use, store under refrigeration and use within 24 hours. We provide detailed in-use stability data.

How is the impurity choline chloride monitored during stability?

This primary hydrolysis product is specifically quantified using a validated HPLC method with charged aerosol detection or ion chromatography.