(+)-Muscarine chloride (CAS 2303-35-7)

(+)-Muscarine chloride, also known as Muscarine chloride, is a toxic alkaloid that occurs naturally in Amanita muscaria (fly fungus) and other fungi, like the Inocybe species. It holds the distinction of being the first parasympathomimetic substance ever studied, capable of inducing significant parasympathetic activation, which can lead to severe outcomes like convulsions and even death. In cases of muscarine poisoning, the specific antidote employed is atropine. Muscarine predominantly acts on muscarinic receptor sites. Among its effects, it stimulates the smooth muscles present in the intestinal tract, elevating the tone and motility of ureters, urinary bladder, gallbladder, and biliary ducts. Additionally, it possesses potent diaphoretic properties. Interestingly, when administered systemically, muscarine closely mimics parasympathetic stimulation, showing a striking resemblance to the effects of the actual parasympathetic neurohormone, acetylcholine. This temporal precedence has led to its designation as a prototype of parasympathomimetics, with the actions of these neuroeffectors referred to as muscarinic actions.