Nicotine addiction: the possible role of functional upregulation
2002; Elsevier BV; Volume: 23; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s0165-6147(00)01979-9
ISSN1873-3735
AutoresBruno Buisson, Daniel Bertrand,
Tópico(s)Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
ResumoUpregulation of binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) is observed in the brains of both smokers and animals chronically exposed to nicotine, although whether this in vivo change is accompanied by an increase in receptor function is unknown. In vitro recordings indicate that α4β2- and α7-subtypes of nAChRs, which are the most abundant subtypes in the brain, are functionally upregulated following prolonged exposure to nicotine. The possible consequences of functional upregulation for nicotine addiction are discussed. Moreover, we propose a new paradigm that describes the unusual behavior of these neuronal nAChRs and helps to explain the effects of nicotine in the CNS and the diffuse effects of ACh.
Referência(s)