Human Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors: Part I—Structure, Function, and Role in Neuromuscular Transmission and CNS Functioning

Abstract

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are the ligand-gated ion channels important for intercellular signaling. These receptors are abundant in neuromuscular junctions, presynaptic and postsynaptic neuronal membranes in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The nAChR dysfunction is associated with a number of neurodegenerative and muscular diseases. The actual information on the structure and function of these receptors is reviewed in this article.