In this study they looked for switch factors that affect oligododencrocyte maturation. They found cholinergic/ acetylcholine receptor M3, also known as the muscarinic 3, is a
muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. It is encoded by the human gene CHRM3. The M3 muscarinic receptors are located at many places in the body, e.g., smooth muscles, the
endocrineglands, the
exocrine glands, lungs, pancreas and the brain. In the
CNS, they induce
emesis (Vomiting). Muscarinic M3receptors are expressed in regions of the brain that regulate insulin homeostasis, such as the hypothalamus and dorsal vagal complex of the brainstem. In general, they cause smooth muscle contraction and increased glandular secretions. They blocked this receptor with Solifenacin is a
competitive cholinergic receptor antagonist. The binding of
acetylcholine to these receptors, particularly the M3 receptor subtype, plays a critical role in the contraction of
smooth muscle. By preventing the binding of acetylcholine to these receptors, solifenacin reduces smooth muscle
tone in the
bladder, allowing the bladder to retain larger volumes of urine and reducing the number of micturition, urgency and incontinence episodes. Because of a long elimination half life, a once-a-day dose can offer 24-hour control of the
urinary bladder smooth muscle tone. So whilst it may promote remyelination it may also give you unwanted bladder problems if you can't void, it could make it worse. This is a problem with the targets of remyelination so far found, except perhaps LINGO-1, is that thetargets also have other functions in the body and therefore their blockade may have side-effects.
On the plus-side maybe another treatment. It is interesting that we now have over five trials on going and not one single pre-clinical study has been done to determine, whether these treatments can affect chronic demyelinated and scarred lesions as opposed to newly demyelinated lesions. This may impact on the type of trial done.
Likewise do we need to treat long term or will a short course do the trick.