Abstract
Background:
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels that participate in many physiological functions. Receptors result from the assembly of five homologous or heterologous subunits that form the ligand-binding site and an ionic pore. In vertebrates, 17 subunits have been identified, alpha (1 - 10), beta (1 - 4), gamma, delta and epsilon. Assembly of different subunit combinations allows a diversity of physiological and pharmacological properties.
Objective:
To review the putative involvement of nAChRs in several diseases.
Methods:
We discuss the expression pattern of the subunits, the pharmacological tools for distinguishing them and their role in pathogenesis.
Results/conclusion:
Long-standing efforts in this field should soon result in the finding of new molecules that might be applicable to situations ranging from neurological diseases to immune treatments.
MeSH terms
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Allosteric Regulation / drug effects
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Analgesics / pharmacology
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Analgesics / therapeutic use
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Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / adverse effects
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Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / pharmacology
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Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / therapeutic use
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Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy
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Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
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Drug Discovery
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Hearing / physiology
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Humans
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Myasthenia Gravis / etiology
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Myasthenia Gravis / immunology
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Neurodegenerative Diseases / drug therapy
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Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology
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Neurodegenerative Diseases / prevention & control
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Nicotine / adverse effects
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Nicotine / pharmacology
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Nicotine / therapeutic use
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Nicotinic Agonists / pharmacology*
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Nicotinic Agonists / therapeutic use
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Nicotinic Antagonists / pharmacology*
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Nicotinic Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Pain / drug therapy
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Pain / physiopathology
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Protein Subunits / drug effects
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Psoriasis / etiology
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Pyridines / adverse effects
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Pyridines / pharmacology
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Pyridines / therapeutic use
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Receptors, Nicotinic / classification
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Receptors, Nicotinic / drug effects*
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Receptors, Nicotinic / immunology
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Receptors, Nicotinic / physiology
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Schizophrenia / drug therapy
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Schizophrenia / etiology
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Schizophrenia / physiopathology
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Smoking / adverse effects
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Smoking Cessation
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Tobacco Use Disorder / drug therapy
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Tobacco Use Disorder / physiopathology
Substances
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Analgesics
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Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
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Nicotinic Agonists
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Nicotinic Antagonists
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Protein Subunits
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Pyridines
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Receptors, Nicotinic
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Nicotine
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epibatidine