Research progress of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in central nervous system diseases / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

ABSTRACT

Alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs) are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and are thought to play a role in a wide variety of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Activation of α7 nAChR leads to an anti-inflammatory effect, which may show beneficial effects in those central nervous system disorders. In the present article, we summarize information on receptor distribution and expression, and review the effects of α7 nAChR on the CN disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke), which may provide a new idea for the development of the treatment of CNS diseases.