Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a target in pharmacology and toxicology.

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Pohanka M

Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a target in pharmacology and toxicology.

Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13(2):2219-38. doi: 10.3390/ijms13022219. Epub 2012 Feb 17.

PubMed ID

22408449 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7 nAChR) is an important part of the cholinergic nerve system in the brain. Moreover, it is associated with a cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in the termination of the parasympathetic nervous system. Antagonists of alpha7 nAChR are a wide group represented by conotoxin and bungarotoxin. Even Alzheimer's disease drug memantine acting as an antagonist in its side pathway belongs in this group. Agonists of alpha7 nAChR are suitable for treatment of multiple cognitive dysfunctions such as Alzheimer's disease or schizophrenia. Inflammation or even sepsis can be ameliorated by the agonistic acting compounds. Preparations RG3487, SEN34625/WYE-103914, SEN12333, ABT-107, Clozapine, GTS-21, CNI-1493, and AR-R17779 are representative examples of the novel compounds with affinity toward the alpha7 nAChR. Pharmacological, toxicological, and medicinal significance of alpha7 nAChR are discussed throughout this paper.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Memantine	Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-7	Protein	Humans	Unknown	Antagonist	Details