Final answer:
The aminergic and cholinergic systems are two distinct neurotransmitter systems in the nervous system, with aminergic activity involving biogenic amines and cholinergic activity involving acetylcholine. The cholinergic system includes synapses such as the NMJ where acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter. A drug that affects both autonomic systems would target nicotinic receptors, which respond to acetylcholine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aminergic and cholinergic systems refer to two different neurotransmitter systems in the body. Aminergic activity involves biogenic amines like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which can have varying effects on neurons, such as excitatory or inhibitory actions, often mediated by different receptor subtypes like D1 and D2 for dopamine. These systems can also affect gene transcription or other metabolic processes in neurons.
In contrast, the cholinergic system is based on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This system includes synapses such as the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and other cholinergic synapses found within the autonomic nervous system and throughout the brain. The neurotransmitter released at the NMJ, a cholinergic synapse, is acetylcholine, which is not the case for the aminergic neurons that release other types of neurotransmitters.
A drug that affects both divisions of the autonomic system would act on receptors that are common to both the aminergic and cholinergic systems. Among the options provided, the drug would bind to or block nicotinic receptors, as these are found in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system and are activated by acetylcholine.