Neuronal nicotinic receptors in non-neuronal cells: new mediators of tobacco toxicity?

摘要: The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are prototypic ionotropic that mediate fast synaptic transmission. However, also non-excitable cells, and particularly the tegumental cells line external internal body surfaces, express of neuronal type sensitive to nicotine. Bronchial epithelial endothelial blood vessels skin keratinocytes composed α3, α5, β2 β4 subunits, similar those expressed in sympathetic ganglia, α7 subunits. Neuronal involved modulating cell shape motility, therefore maintaining integrity surfaces lined by cells. non-neuronal tissues may modulate other functions, including proliferation differentiation. Acetylcholine is synthesized, secreted degraded a variety receptors. Thus, function as local “hormone” able functions require adaptation new conditions. presence nicotine known be tobacco toxicity, like bronchi vessels, raises possibility they some toxic effects smoking.