Abstract
The presence of nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) in blood cells has been demonstrated. However, little is known about their functional roles. We have detected mRNA of alpha7 nAChR in peripheral human lymphocytes and determined that its expression is highly variable among individuals and within the same individual at different times. Upregulation of alpha7 is systematically observed after incubation of lymphocytes with nicotine or alpha-bungarotoxin. In addition, the incubation with these drugs decreases the percentage of apoptotic cells induced by the exposure to cortisol. Our results suggest that alpha7 nAChRs are involved in the modulation of cortisol-induced apoptosis.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Animals
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Apoptosis / drug effects
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Apoptosis / immunology*
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Bungarotoxins / pharmacology
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Cells, Cultured
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Humans
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Hydrocortisone / pharmacology
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Lymphocytes / cytology*
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Lymphocytes / drug effects
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Lymphocytes / metabolism*
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Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
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Nicotine / pharmacology
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Nicotinic Antagonists / pharmacology
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Oxidation-Reduction
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Protein Subunits / biosynthesis
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Protein Subunits / genetics
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar
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Receptors, Nicotinic / biosynthesis
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Receptors, Nicotinic / genetics
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Receptors, Nicotinic / physiology*
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Tetrazolium Salts / metabolism
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Thiazoles / metabolism
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Up-Regulation / drug effects
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alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Substances
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Bungarotoxins
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Chrna7 protein, human
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Chrna7 protein, rat
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Nicotinic Antagonists
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Protein Subunits
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Nicotinic
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Tetrazolium Salts
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Thiazoles
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alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
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Nicotine
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thiazolyl blue
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Hydrocortisone