Smoking upregulates a4ß2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in brainstem and cerebellum
U. Wüllner, D. Gündisch, H. Herzog, M. Minnerop, A. Joe, M. Warnecke, F. Jessen, C. Schütz, M. Reinhardt, W. Eschner, T. Klockgether, J. Schmaljohann · Aktuelle Neurologie · 2006 · Heft 09
Bibliografische Angaben
Zusammenfassung
Improved understanding of the effects of nicotine on central nervous system (CNS) functions is highly desirable from medical and economic points of view. Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), ligand-gated ion channels assembled from at least 12 distinct subunits (a2- a10 and ß2-ß4). The predominant nAChR in the CNS is the (a4ß2)-type. Activation of (a4*) nAChR is sufficient for nicotine induced reward, tolerance and sensitisation. The (a4) nAChR subunit appears to be of critical importance in memory and cognition in normal ageing and Alzheimer's disease. We investigated the status of a4ß2*…
