Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
The Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (nAChR) (/ˌnɪkəˈtiːnɪk ˌæsɪtɪlˈkoʊliːn rɪˈsɛptər/), is a type of protein that responds to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Nicotinic receptors also respond to drugs such as the agonist nicotine. They are found in the brain, muscles, and other tissues of invertebrates and vertebrates.
Etymology
The term "Nicotinic" is derived from the name of the plant Nicotiana tabacum from which tobacco is harvested. The plant is named after Jean Nicot, the French ambassador to Portugal, who introduced tobacco to France in 1559. "Acetylcholine" is derived from its chemical structure: it is an ester of acetic acid and choline.
Function
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are best known for their roles in the nervous system. They are key players in the fast transmission of signals at the synapse.
Types
There are two main types of nAChRs: muscle type and neuronal type. The muscle type can be blocked by curare, the neuronal type by hexamethonium.
Related Terms
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