Nicotinic synapse

In contrast to all this negativity, it must be acknowledged that more is known about the structure and function of cholinergic receptors and synapses, especially the nicotinic ones, than for the receptors of any other NT. It is unfortunate that nicotinic synapses are not very common in the CNS. 

Erhardt, S., Schwieler, L., Engberg, G. Excitatory and inhibitory responses of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area to nicotine. Synapse. 43 227, 2002. 

Inhibits gut contraction by inhibition of acetylcholine at nicotinic synapses in autonomic nerve terminals... 

Tamura, K., Palmer, J.M., Wood, J D, 1988. Presynaptic inhibition produced by histamine at nicotinic synapses in enteric ganglia. Neuroscience 25, 171-179. 

As mentioned in Part 2, there are drugs that can interfere with the inactivation of neurotransmitters. In that particular case the reversible cholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine was discussed within the context of treating myasthenia gravis. Excessive blockade of acetylcholinesterase at both muscarinic and nicotinic synapses results in a sustained excess of acetylcholine, which persistently activates the effector they innervate. Muscarinic stimulation results in excessive salivation, lacrimation, bronchiolar secretions, and bronchoconstriction. Nicotinic stimulation produces effects such as those described earlier for nicotine. 

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors A class of receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that are characterized by their ability to bind nicotine. Synapses with this king of receptor are excitatory. Compare muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. 

---