Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Assaying β-amyloid Toxicity using a Transgenic C. elegans Model
Published on: October 9, 2010
Stimulation of alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors inhibits beta-amyloid toxicity
T Kihara1, S Shimohama, M Urushitani
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606, Japan.
Abstract:
We examined the effects of nicotinic receptor agonists against beta amyloid (Abeta) cytotoxicity to rat cortical neurons. Administration of nicotine protected against Abeta-induced neuronal death. This neuroprotection was blocked by dihydro-beta-erythroidine, an alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor antagonist. Furthermore, incubation with cytisine, a selective alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor agonist, inhibited Abeta cytotoxicity. These results suggest that alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor activation plays an important role in neuroprotection against Abeta cytotoxicity.
Related Concept Videos
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Reversible inhibitors display short to medium durations of action. Short-acting agents include simple alcohols with...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Mechanism of Action
Reversible inhibitors like edrophonium bind to a specific part of the enzyme called the anionic catalytic site. They form noncovalent bonds, which means they are not strongly attached to the enzyme. This creates a temporary and less stable enzyme–inhibitor complex, leading to...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
At the neuromuscular junction, these agents work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing it to remain bound to the receptor and bind to nearby receptors. This process leads to repetitive firing of the endplate, causing muscle...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis

