Presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Subtypes and functions

Abstract

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are widely distributed throughout the central nervous system. Much of the function of these central nAChRs appears to be modulatory mediating the release of several neurotransmitters and perhaps neuropeptides. Synaptosomal preparations have been widely used to investigate nAChR-mediated neurotransmitter release using pharmacological, immunochemical, and genetic approaches. This chapter summarizes results for nAChR-mediated 86 Rb + effl ux as well as nAChR-mediated dopamine, GABA, glutamate, norepinephrine, and ACh release. Studies with mice expressing mutated nAChR subunits (both null and gain-of function mutations) demonstrate that diverse nAChR subtypes contribute to presynaptic receptor activity.