Alpha4 containing nicotinic receptors are positioned to mediate postsynaptic effects on 5-HT neurons in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus.

Neuroscience
K G Commons

Abstract

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the alpha4 and beta2 subunits constitute the most abundant high-affinity binding site of nicotine in the brain and are critical for the addictive qualities of nicotine. 5-HT neurotransmission is thought to be an important contributor to nicotine addiction. Therefore in this study it was examined how alpha4-containing receptors are positioned to modulate the function of 5-HT neurons using ultrastructural analysis of immunolabeling for the alpha4 receptor subunit in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), a primary source of forebrain 5-HT in the rat. Of 150 profiles labeled for the alpha4 subunit, 140 or 93% consisted of either soma or dendrites, these were often small-caliber (distal) dendrites <1.5 microm in diameter (63/150 or 42%). The majority (107/150 or 71%) of profiles containing labeling for alpha4 were dually labeled for the synthetic enzyme for 5-HT, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH). Within dendrites immunogold labeling for alpha4 was present on the plasma membrane or near postsynaptic densities. However, labeling for alpha4 was commonly localized to the cytoplasmic compartment often associated with smooth endoplasmic reticulum, plausibly representing receptors in transit to or from the...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

Dec 29, 2010·The Journal of General Physiology·Rahul SrinivasanHenry A Lester
Oct 11, 2012·International Journal of Law and Psychiatry·Michael Lamport CommonsThomas Gordon Gutheil
Feb 20, 2015·American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·Verónica J CerpaJaime L Eugenín
Aug 28, 2013·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·Sheree F Logue, Thomas J Gould

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