Journal article

Publication year: 2002

Pages: 441-447

Journal: Histochemistry and Cell Biology

Volume number: 118

Issue number: 6

ISSN: 0948-6143

eISSN: 1432-119X

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-002-0475-2

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are hetero- and homopentamers built up by nine different alpha-subunits and three different beta-subunits. The subtype composition within the receptor determines ligand specificity, affinity and cation permeability. In this study we focused on the distribution of the ligand binding alpha-subunits in the rat arterial system by means of RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Subtypes alpha3, alpha5, alpha7 and alpha10 were found to be expressed by endothelial cells, suggesting that they are equipped both with calcium-preferring (alpha7 homopentamers) and monovalent cation-preferring (heteropentamers containing alpha3- and alpha5-subunits) nAChR channels. All alpha-subtypes except alpha9 were expressed by vascular smooth muscle cells with a highly specific distribution pattern along the vascular tree. While every alpha-subunit except alpha9 was detected in the thoracic aorta, intrapulmonary arterial branches contained only alpha7 immunoreactivity, and other vascular beds held intermediate positions with respect to the extent of alpha-subunit expression. Current knowledge does not allow to correlate these distribution patterns to specific functions, but it can be anticipated that at least some components of nAChR-mediated signalling in the arterial wall are highly specific for individual arteries.

Harvard Citation style: Brüggmann, D., Lips, K., Pfeil, U., Haberberger, R. and Kummer, W. (2002) Multiple nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α-subunits are expressed in the arterial system of the rat, Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 118(6), pp. 441-447. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-002-0475-2

APA Citation style: Brüggmann, D., Lips, K., Pfeil, U., Haberberger, R., & Kummer, W. (2002). Multiple nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α-subunits are expressed in the arterial system of the rat. Histochemistry and Cell Biology. 118(6), 441-447. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00418-002-0475-2