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The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in neuronal plasticity

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Abstract

A growing body of evidence indicates that neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), in addition to promoting fast cholinergic transmission, may modulate other neuronal activities within the central nervous system (CNS). In particular, the α7 nAChR is highly permeable to Ca2+ and may serve a distinct role in regulating neuronal plasticity. By elevating intracellular Ca2+ levels in discrete neuronal locations, these ligand-gated ion channels may influence numerous physiological processes in developing and adult CNS. In this article, we review evidence that both pre- and postsynaptic α7 nAChRs modulate transmitter release in the brain and periphery through Ca2+-dependent mechanisms. The possible role of α7 nAChRs in regulating neuronal growth and differentiation in developing CNS is also evaluated. We consider an interaction between cholinergic and glutamatergic transmission and propose a hypothesis on the possible coregulation of intracellular Ca2+ byN-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and α7 nAChRs. Finally, the clinical significance of alterations in the normal function of α7 nAChRs is discussed as it pertains to prenatal nicotine exposure, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.

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  1. Division of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, 77030, Houston, TX

    Ron S. Broide

  2. Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA

    Frances M. Leslie

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Broide, R.S., Leslie, F.M. The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in neuronal plasticity. Mol Neurobiol 20, 1–16 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02741361

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