α7 nicotinic ACh receptors as a ligand-gated source of Ca 2+ ions: The search for a Ca 2+ optimum

Victor V. Uteshev

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

The spatiotemporal distribution of cytosolic Ca 2+ ions is a key determinant of neuronal behavior and survival. Distinct sources of Ca 2+ ions including ligand- and voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels contribute to intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis. Many normal physiological and therapeutic neuronal functions are Ca 2+-dependent, however an excess of cytosolic Ca 2+ or a lack of the appropriate balance between Ca 2+ entry and clearance may destroy cellular integrity and cause cellular death. Therefore, the existence of optimal spatiotemporal patterns of cytosolic Ca 2+ elevations and thus, optimal activation of ligand- and voltage-gated Ca 2+ ion channels are postulated to benefit neuronal function and survival. Alpha7 nicotinic -acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are highly permeable to Ca 2+ ions and play an important role in modulation of neurotransmitter release, gene expression and neuroprotection in a variety of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. In this review, the focus is placed on α7 nAChR-mediated currents and Ca 2+ influx and how this source of Ca 2+ entry compares to NMDA receptors in supporting cytosolic Ca 2+ homeostasis, neuronal function and survival.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCalcium Signaling
Pages603-638
Number of pages36
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Volume740
ISSN (Print)0065-2598

Keywords

  • ACh
  • Alzheimer
  • Auditory
  • Ca
  • Choline
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive
  • Dementia
  • Extrasynaptic
  • Gating
  • Ion channel
  • NMDA
  • Neuroprotection
  • Neurotoxicity
  • Nicotinic
  • PNU-120596
  • Permeability
  • Positive allosteric modulator
  • Receptor
  • Schizophrenia
  • Synaptic
  • Trauma
  • α7 nAChR

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