Nicotinic receptors cerebellum

Both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors are widespread in the CNS. Muscarinic receptors with a high affinity for pirenzepine (PZ), M, receptors, predominate in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, whereas M2 receptors predominate in the cerebellum and brainstem, and M4 receptors are most abundant in the striatum. Central muscarinic and nicotinic receptors are targets of intense pharmacological interest for their potential roles in regulating abnormal neurological signaling in Alzheimer s disease, Parkinson s disease and certain seizure disorders. Nicotinic receptors are largely localized at prejunctional sites and control the release of neurotransmitters [10,11],... 

Recent research has indicated select abnormalities in the cholinergic system (Perry et al., 2001). Although previously unexamined neurochemically, there was an indication that the cholinergic system may be involved in autism, with abnormalities reported in neurons in the basal forebrain (Bauman Kemper, 1994). Perry et al. (2001) found extensive loss of high affinity nicotinic receptors from the neocortex (frontal and parietal), and from the cerebellum (Lee, et al., in preparation). Nicotinic receptors are implicated in attention, and also consciousness as many general anaesthetics block the receptor channel (Chapter 9). 

The cell bodies of neurons that involve NE are located in the brain stem, with projections to the thalamus, cortex,hippocampus, and cerebellum. Other neurotransmitters, such as ACh and some neuropeptides, are broken down while still in the synaptic cleft. In the synapses connecting neurons and muscle cells, the enzyme acetyl cholinesterase performs this task. Excitatory ACh receptors that activate skeletal musdes at the neuromuscular juncture are called nicotinic receptors because they are stimulated by nicotine. 

As distinct from the acetyl choline receptor of the neuromuscular junction, the acetyl receptors of the viscera are not blocked by nicotine but are blocked by muscarine. Moreover, based on differences in the binding of the muscarinic antagonist, pirenzapine, the muscarinic acetyl choline receptors (mAChRs), are separated into two classes, viz. high affinity mj receptors, and low affinity m2 receptors. The latter predominates in the heart, cerebellum, and smooth muscle broadly. These different receptors mediate quite different actions. 

Increases in cerebral blood flow elicited from stimulation of the basal forebrain are mediated by nicotinic and not muscarinic receptors (Linville et al. 1993). During an attention task, nicotine increases cerebral blood flow to the the anterior cingulate cortex, cerebellum, and occipital cortex, supporting its role in activating attentional systems (Ghatan et al. 1998). 

The a4p2 nAChR is the predominant heteromeric receptor in the brain, binds nicotine and other nicotinic agonists, e.g. cytisine and epibatidine. As a principal nicotinic AChR is more ubiquitous and is predominant in cortex, striatum, superior colliculus, lateral geniculate nucleus and cerebellum. When activated it facilitates excitatory inputs and is present very early in the developing brain in various brain regions. 

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