α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain.

ABSTRACT: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present as many different subtypes in the nervous and immune systems, muscles and on the cells of other organs. In the immune system, inflammation is regulated via the vagus nerve through the activation of the non-neuronal α7 nAChR subtype, affecting the production of cytokines. The analgesic properties of α7 nAChR-selective compounds are mostly based on the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain relief mediated by the inhibition of α9-containing nAChRs is not fully understood yet, but the role of immune factors in this process is becoming evident. To obtain appropriate drugs, a search of selective agonists, antagonists and modulators of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs is underway. The nat

SUBMITTER: Shelukhina I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10095066 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature