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Related Concept Videos

Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic01:15

Cholinergic Receptors: Nicotinic

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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...
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Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants01:23

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Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...
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Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

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Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
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Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action01:26

Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action

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Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...
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Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Blockers01:28

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Blockers

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Ganglionic blockers inhibit autonomic activity by blocking nicotinic receptors in the autonomic ganglia, suppressing impulse transmission. These blockers lack selectivity between sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia and are ineffective as neuromuscular junction antagonists. They can be categorized into two groups:
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Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake01:21

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake

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Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 29, 2025

Combining Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and fMRI to Examine the Default Mode Network
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Combining Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and fMRI to Examine the Default Mode Network

Published on: December 28, 2010

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Nicotinic receptor modulation of the default mode network.

Britta Hahn1, Alexander N Harvey2, Marta Concheiro-Guisan3

  • 1University of Maryland School of Medicine, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, P.O. Box 21247, Baltimore, MD, 21228, USA. bhahn@som.umaryland.edu.

Psychopharmacology
|November 20, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist mecamylamine reduced default mode network (DMN) deactivation during a cognitive task. This suggests nAChR tone regulates DMN activity, potentially impacting cognitive disorders.

Keywords:
CognitionDeactivationDefault mode networkMecamylamineN-backNicotineNicotinic acetylcholine receptorfMRI

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Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices
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Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices
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Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Science
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists reduce default mode network (DMN) activity during cognitive tasks.
  • The DMN is implicated in task-independent thought and is often dysregulated in cognitive impairments.
  • Previous studies suggest nAChR agonists have pro-cognitive effects by modulating the DMN.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if nAChR modulation of the DMN is bidirectional.
  • To determine if an nAChR antagonist reduces task-induced DMN deactivation.
  • To explore the role of nAChR tone in regulating DMN activity.

Main Methods:

  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 18 healthy non-smokers.
  • Participants performed a letter N-back task under three conditions: nicotine, nAChR antagonist (mecamylamine), and placebo.
  • Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal changes were analyzed in key DMN regions (vmPFC, PCC).

Main Results:

  • Mecamylamine significantly reduced task-induced deactivation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC).
  • Nicotine administration enhanced performance on the N-back task but did not significantly affect BOLD signal in DMN regions.
  • Mecamylamine slowed reaction time in the 2-back condition.

Conclusions:

  • nAChR tone reduction by mecamylamine weakens task-induced DMN deactivation, indicating a regulatory role.
  • Constant nAChR activation appears necessary for normal DMN regulation in healthy individuals.
  • Dysregulated nAChR tone may contribute to DMN abnormalities in conditions like mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.