Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in midbrain dopamine neurons that project to dorsal striatum, nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. Thus nAChRs can influence the functions of these three pathways, notably motor control, 'reward' and executive function, respectively. Diverse subtypes of nAChRs have been identified on dopamine cell bodies and terminals as well as on neighbouring afferents and interneurons. Here we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which nAChRs exert their influence on these pathways in rodents.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Acetylcholine / physiology
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Action Potentials
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Animals
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Corpus Striatum / metabolism
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Dopamine / metabolism*
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Mesencephalon / cytology
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Mesencephalon / physiology
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Neural Pathways / cytology
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Neural Pathways / physiology*
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Neurons / drug effects
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Neurons / physiology*
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Nicotine / pharmacology*
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Nucleus Accumbens / metabolism
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Prefrontal Cortex / metabolism
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Protein Subunits / biosynthesis
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Receptors, Nicotinic / biosynthesis
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Receptors, Nicotinic / physiology*
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Rodentia
Substances
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Protein Subunits
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Receptors, Nicotinic
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Nicotine
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Acetylcholine
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Dopamine