What would an AChE inhibitor act as?

• A. A cholinergic antagonist; blocks degradation keeping less acetylcholine around
• B. A cholinergic agonist; prevents degradation keeping more acetylcholine around
• C. A dopamine receptor antagonist
• D. A monoamine oxidase inhibitor

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors boost the amount of acetylcholine available in the synapse. By blocking the enzyme that normally breaks down acetylcholine, more of it remains after release, so it continues to activate cholinergic receptors on the post-synaptic side. That increased receptor activation behaves like a cholinergic agonist, because it enhances acetylcholine signaling without directly mimicking the transmitter itself at the receptor. It’s not acting on dopamine receptors or inhibiting monoamine oxidase, which would affect other neurotransmitter systems.