Paying Attention to Your Acetylcholine, Part 1: Structural Organization of Nicotinic Receptors

This is the first of a 2-part series on nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Here we will discuss how recent advances in the understanding of nicotinic cholinergic receptors have elucidated their molecular structures. Next month we will present our current understanding of the psychopharmacologic functions of nicotinic cholinergic receptors. These developments form the basis for novel treatment strategies for cognitive disturbances, particularly those associated with Alzheimer’s disease or schizophrenia, which will be discussed in a future BRAINSTORMS.