The α7, α4β2 and α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors: Characteristics, Role in Pathogenic Processes and Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are potential targets for the treatment of several central nervous system disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. On this review will be discussed the main characteristics of the nAChRs, more specifically of the a7, a4p2 and a3(B4 subtypes, examples of bioactive compounds that act on these receptors and structure-Activity relationships of some compounds on their respective target receptors.