A comprehensive overview of nicotinic receptors that addresses their history from crystal structure to behavior as well as their implications in disease and potential as therapeutic targets. It includes background information on all subtypes of nicotinic receptors, the most recent information on the distribution throughout the nervous system, and discussion of their implications in learning and memory, addiction, and neurological and psychiatric disease such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Takes advantage of several recent developments in the fields of optogenetics, viral expression, and gene analysis to focus on current knowledge on the functional aspects of nicotinic receptors.

Inhalt

On the Discovery of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Channel.- Molecular Structure and Gating.- Molecular Underpinnings of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Expression.- Presynaptic Nicotinic Receptors: Subtypes and Function.- Functional Distribution and Regulation of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Mammalian Brain.- Nicotinic Signaling in Development.- Presynaptic Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors & The Modulation Of Circuit Excitability.- Autonomic Nervous System Transmission.- Nicotinic Receptors in the Spinal Cord.- Slow Synaptic Transmission in the Central Nervous System.- The Effects of Nicotine on Learning and Memory.- Nicotinic Receptors as Targets for Novel Analgesics and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.- Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and the Roles of the Alpha7 Subunit.- Role of Central Serotonin Receptors in Nicotine Addiction.- Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Reward and Addiction.- Genetic Contributions of the 5 Nicotinic Receptor Subunit to Smoking Behavior.- SmokingRelated Genes and Functional Consequences.- Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Along the Habenulo-Interpeduncular Pathway: Roles in Nicotine Withdrawal and Other Aversive Aspects.- Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.- Nicotinic Receptors and Mental Illness.- Current & Future Trends in Drug Discovery and Development Related to Nicotinic Receptors