Regulation of neuronal nicotinic receptor traffic and expression.
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.
Gaimarri
Annalisa
A
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.
Moretti
Milena
M
Riganti
Loredana
L
Zanardi
Alessio
A
Clementi
Francesco
F
Gotti
Cecilia
C
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*
D018733:Nicotinic Antagonists; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic