ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To establish the whole-cell recording techniques of the neuronal alpha4beta2, alpha4beta4, and alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors heterologously expressed in SH-EP1 cell line and discuss the electrophysiological characteristics of their open states.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cells were cultured with DEME medium(high glucose) and suitable for electrophysiological experiments three days after passage. The receptors were induced from resting states into open states by rapid application of nicotine (alpha4beta2, alpha4beta4) or choline (alpha7).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The SH-EP1 cells cultured by this method were in good conditions and expressed plenty of receptors. Alpha4beta2, alph4beta4 and alpha7 inward currents could be induced by rapid application of agonists but had different dynamic processes against time. All the three types of currents were dose and voltage-dependent and had inward rectification property.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The open states of neuronal alpha4beta2, alpha4beta4, and alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and their transitions have distinct characteristics and the inward currents of all this three types of receptors are dose and voltage-dependent and have inward rectification property.</p>