Final answer:
AChE inhibitors are drugs used to treat neurological disorders by enhancing cholinergic transmission through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, leading to increased acetylcholine levels. They have both peripheral and systemic effects, depending on the drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Step-by-step explanation:
AChE inhibitors, or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, are commonly used as drugs to treat conditions that involve the cholinergic system, particularly neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and myasthenia gravis. These drugs work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. By inhibiting this enzyme, AChE inhibitors increase the level of acetylcholine in the synapses, enhancing cholinergic transmission. This can lead to improvements in neurological symptoms like memory loss and muscle strength.
The effects of AChE inhibitors can be both peripheral and systemic, depending on the particular compound and its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Peripheral effects might include increased muscle tone and improved neuromuscular transmission, whereas systemic effects could involve better cognitive function due to increased central cholinergic activity.