Nicotinic receptors and hippocampal synaptic plasticity ... it's all in the timing

Trends Neurosci. 2002 Apr;25(4):171-2. doi: 10.1016/s0166-2236(00)02127-5.

Abstract

As we learn more about the functional expression of nicotinic receptors in specific brain regions such as the hippocampus, intriguing interactions are being uncovered at the cellular and circuit levels. Recent work from John Dani's laboratory provides important insights into how nicotinic receptors can modify hippocampal synaptic plasticity in both positive and negative ways, and this could help explain the role of nicotinic receptors in learning and memory.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / metabolism
  • Acetylcholine / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Hippocampus / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Interneurons / cytology
  • Interneurons / metabolism
  • Long-Term Potentiation / physiology*
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Pyramidal Cells / cytology
  • Pyramidal Cells / metabolism
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Acetylcholine