Relationship between neuronal α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and neurological diseases / 上海第二医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

Neuronal α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are the most widespread subtypes in central nervous system, α4β2 nAChRs mainly exist in procerebrum, parietal lobe cortex, temporal lobe cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglion and cerebellum. Researches on gene knock-out mice have demonstrated that α4β2 receptors participate in the development, aging, neuron survival, pain, and learning and memory, and are also involved in gamma-aminobutyric acid release and dopaminergic function. Studies have disclosed that α4β2 nAChRs relate to the development of variety of neurological diseases, including pain, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.