Abstract
The α3/β4 subtype of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) was stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells that co-expressed a voltage-gated Ca 2+ channel. α3/β4-nAChR-expressing clones were identified using the fura-2 Ca 2+ imaging technique, and were further characterised by single-cell and whole-cell patch-clamp studies. Acetylcholine (ACh) induced fast activating currents which showed desensitisation and inward rectification. The conductance of the ACh-activated channel was 29 pS. The order of potency of the nicotinic agonists tested was cytisine⋍ nicotine> acetylcholine . The EC 50 value for ACh was 145 μM; the Hill coefficient was close to 2. The currents elicited by ACh were effectively blocked by nicotinic antagonists, but not by the muscarinic antagonist atropine. These properties are comparable to the pharmacological and physiological profile of ganglionic nicotinic receptors and type III currents of cultured hippocampal neurons.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
