Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
3
pubmed:dateCreated
1997-7-28
pubmed:abstractText
The molecular cloning of genes encoding neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) has made possible a better understanding of the pharmacology and toxicology of cholinergic compounds. Neuronal nAChRs are related in structure to the nAChRs present at the neuromuscular junction. They are composed of multiple subunits designated either alpha and beta. Eight alpha and three beta subunit genes have been cloned. The alpha subunits contain the ligand binding sites, whereas beta subunits are structural subunits that contribute to the function of the receptor. A large number of nAChRs can be formed from different combinations of alpha and beta subunits. Different combinations of alpha and beta subunits can produce receptors in vitro with distinct ion conducting properties. Each subunit gene is expressed in a distinct pattern in the nervous system. The expression of at least some of the nAChR subunit genes is regulated during development and by cell-cell interactions. Each neuronal nAChR subtype has a distinct pharmacology. Both alpha and beta subunits contribute to the pharmacological properties of each subtype. The expression of multiple nAChR subtypes may allow for precise control of neurotransmission mediated by acetylcholine in diverse populations of neurons.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
May
pubmed:issn
1040-8444
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
27
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
299-318
pubmed:dateRevised
2005-11-16
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1997
pubmed:articleTitle
The molecular biology of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Pharmacology, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus 43210, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review