PTGS2 and Sepsis: Carbachol treatment reduces the expression of IL-1β; MHC-II, CD86, and IL-12p70 in splenic DCs at the early phases of sepsis (138). It reduces the release of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and expression of caspase-3 in myocardial cells and improves the cardiac function and survival rate from sepsis in rats (139). Carbachol increases the expression of inflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-8, and cyclooxygenase-2)  in smooth muscles (140).