Alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
The alpha-7 nicotinic receptor, also known as the α7 receptor, is a type of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor implicated in long term memory, consisting entirely of α7 subunits. As with other nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, functional α7 receptors are pentameric [i.e., (α7)5stoichiometry].
It is located in the brain, spleen, and lymphocytes of lymph nodes where activation yields post- and presynaptic excitation, mainly by increased Ca2+ permeability.
Further, recent work has implicated this receptor as being important for generation of adult mammal neurons in the retina.
Recent work has demonstrated a potential role in reducing inflammatory neurotoxicity in stroke, myocardial infarction, sepsis, and alzheimers disease.
An α7 nicotinic agonist appears to have positive effects on neurocognition in persons with schizophrenia.
Both α4β2 and α7 nicotinic receptors appear to be critical for memory, working memory, learning, and attention.
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