ABSTRACT
Cholinergic neurons are frequently involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The main cholinergic neurons in the brain include nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM), pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), dorsal motor nucleus of the vagal nerve, and the intrinsic neurons of the striatum. In the spinal cord, the preganglionic sympathetic neurons originating in the thoracic intermediolateral (IML) column and the preganglionic parasympathetic neurons of the sacral cord
are cholinergic. In the peripheral autonomic nervous system, postganglionic parasympathetic neurons, including neurons in Auerbach’s and Meissner’s plexuses in the gastrointestinal tract, are cholinergic. Postganglionic sympathetic neurons innervating the sweat glands are cholinergic. Motor neurons of the brain stem and the anterior horn of the spinal cord are also cholinergic; these motor neurons are not involved in PD.
