Neuronal nicotinic receptors: from structure to function.
Molecular identification of the genes and resulting protein sequences for a large number of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits has stimulated numerous studies highlighting their role in several human behaviors including neurological disorders and nicotine addiction. This receptor gene family is likely to be involved in release of multiple neurotransmitters in both brain and periphery that mediate sensitivity and tolerance to nicotine. Recent findings also suggest that alterations in these receptors may lead to neurological diseases, some associated with increased incidence of smoking. This review addresses current knowledge of nicotinic receptor structure, regulation of expression, and function, in both normal and psychiatric subjects.
Leonard
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Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado 80262, USA. Sherry.Leonard@UCHSC.edu
Bertrand
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D
D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009538:Nicotine / Q000494:pharmacology; D009714:Nucleus Accumbens / Q000187:drug effects; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012907:Smoking / Q000235:genetics; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000187:drug effects
D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; D009538:Nicotine; D004298:Dopamine