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Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic

Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic

Nicotinic receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by acetylcholine and nicotine. Upon activation, they cause a rapid increase in the permeability of cells to K+, Na+, and Ca2+, followed by depolarization and excitation. They are in the autonomic ganglia, skeletal neuromuscular junction, CNS, and adrenal medulla.
There are two types of nicotinic receptors: neuromuscular (NM/NM/N1) and neuronal (NN/NN/N2). The two families differ based on their location and selectivity to...

Hair Cells

Hair Cells

Hair cells are the sensory receptors of the auditory system—they transduce mechanical sound waves into electrical energy that the nervous system can understand. Hair cells are located in the organ of Corti within the cochlea of the inner ear, between the basilar and tectorial membranes. The actual sensory receptors are called inner hair cells. The outer hair cells serve other functions, such as sound amplification in the cochlea, and are not discussed in detail here.

The Cochlea

The Cochlea

The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

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The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...

Neurulation

Neurulation

Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...

Cholinergic Receptors: Muscarinic

Cholinergic Receptors: Muscarinic

The pharmacological actions of acetylcholine are elicited via its binding to two families of cholinergic receptors or cholinoceptors, namely, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Muscarinic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors and have five subtypes, M1–M5. All mAChR subtypes are activated by acetylcholine and blocked by the antagonist, atropine.
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Related Experiment Video

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Neonatal Murine Cochlear Explant Technique as an In Vitro Screening Tool in Hearing Research

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The expression of nicotinic receptor alpha7 during cochlear development.

Scott W Rogers¹, Elizabeth J Myers, Lorise C Gahring

¹Salt Lake City VA Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132 ; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah School of Medicine Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132.

Brain and Behavior

|November 10, 2012

Summary

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha7 (α7) is expressed in developing and adult auditory systems, including sensory cells and central pathways. This widespread expression suggests novel roles beyond traditional neurotransmission in auditory function.

Keywords:

Alpha7 auditory system cochlear development mouse nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Auditory System Development

Background:

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha7 (α7) plays a role in neuronal function.
Its expression pattern in the auditory system is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the spatiotemporal expression of α7 in the developing and adult mouse auditory system.
To identify potential non-neuronal roles of α7 in auditory processing.

Main Methods:

Utilized genetically modified mice (α7GFP and α7Cre) to track α7 expression.
Examined expression in cochlear and central auditory structures from embryonic to adult stages.

Main Results:

α7GFP was detected in spiral prominence, putative outer hair cells, Deiters' cells, and efferent fibers during development.
Expression shifted in the cochlea and appeared in spiral ganglion cells innervating inner hair cells.
Significant α7GFP expression was observed in central auditory nuclei (cochlear nucleus, inferior colliculus, medial geniculate nucleus).

Conclusions:

α7 is expressed in diverse neuronal and non-neuronal cells within the auditory system.
This broad expression suggests α7 may influence auditory functions through unconventional mechanisms.
Further research is needed to elucidate the specific roles of α7 in auditory processing.