title: Regulation of neuronal nicotinic receptor traffic and expression.
abstract: Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a family of cation channels widely distributed in the brain, whose subunit composition and biophysical properties vary depending on the subtype and the area of the brain in which they are found. Brain nAChRs are also the target of nicotine, the most widespread drug of abuse. Chronic nicotine exposure differentially affects the number, subunit composition, stoichiometry and functional state of some nAChR subtypes, leaving others substantially unaffected. In this review, we will summarise recent data concerning the nAChR subtypes expressed in the CNS, and how they are regulated by means of chronic nicotine and/or nicotinic drugs. We will particularly focus on the possible mechanisms involved in the up-regulation of nAChRs.
authors: CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Center, Department of Medical Pharmacology and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milan, Italy.
authors: Annalisa
authors: A
authors: Gaimarri
authors: Milena
authors: M
authors: Moretti
authors: Loredana
authors: L
authors: Riganti
authors: Alessio
authors: A
authors: Zanardi
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Clementi
authors: Cecilia
authors: C
authors: Gotti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D018733:Nicotinic Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D021381:Protein Transport / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018733:Nicotinic Antagonists; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic