Prostigmine

Prostigmine is a parasympathetic drug that acts as a reversible inhibitor to acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme which breaks down acetylcholine (ACh) in cholinergic nerve endings. It can be used clinically to treat myasthenia gravis, paralytic ileus, and urine retention.

Prostigmine is used in neurobiology experiments to retain ACh in the synaptic cleft. It is used frequently when studying the neuromuscular junction, since ACh is its primary neurotransmitter. Here, prostigmine enhances and prolongs end-plate potentials. Prostigmine has also been useful in researching miniature end-plate potentials.