Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

摘要: Nicotinic receptors are cation-permeable ion channels activated by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The muscle-type receptor mediates all fast synaptic excitation on voluntary muscle. We review both structure and function of muscle/Torpedo receptor, several mutants. Recent developments in knowledge analysis single-channel records beginning to throw light role single amino acid residues molecular events (the binding an agonist gating channel) that lead channel opening. In nervous system, nicotinic mediate majority only autonomic ganglia, but also present at presynaptic locations. Issues classification subunit composition particularly relevant for neuronal because numerous combinations possible relatively few selective competitive antagonists available, a situation may improve with characterization alpha-conotoxins. Inherited mutations give rise rare congenital forms human disease (myasthenia muscle epilepsy receptors). Keywords: acetylcholine; channel; ion channel; single channels; structure; function; proteins