RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The β3 Nicotinic Receptor Subunit: A Component of α-Conotoxin MII-Binding Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors that Modulate Dopamine Release and Related Behaviors JF The Journal of Neuroscience JO J. Neurosci. FD Society for Neuroscience SP 11045 OP 11053 DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.23-35-11045.2003 VO 23 IS 35 A1 Changhai Cui A1 T. K. Booker A1 Roberta S. Allen A1 Sharon R. Grady A1 Paul Whiteaker A1 Michael J. Marks A1 Outi Salminen A1 Theresa Tritto A1 Christopher M. Butt A1 W. R. Allen A1 Jerry A. Stitzel A1 J. Michael McIntosh A1 Jim Boulter A1 Allan C. Collins A1 Stephen F. Heinemann YR 2003 UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/23/35/11045.abstract AB Nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons express many nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits capable of forming multiple nAChR subtypes. These subtypes are expressed differentially along the neuron and presumably mediate diverse responses. β3 subunit mRNA has restricted expression but is abundant in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental areas. To investigate the potential role(s) of nicotinic receptors containing the β3 subunit in dopaminergic tracts, we generated mice with a null mutation in the β3 gene. We were thereby able to identify a population of β3-dependent α-conotoxin MII-binding nAChRs that modulate striatal dopamine release. Changes were also observed in locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, behaviors that are controlled, in part, by nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic activity, respectively, suggesting that β3-containing nAChRs modulate these behaviors.