Neuronal nicotinic receptors are key molecules for signal transduction in a number of neuronal pathways. They are widely distributed in the brain and are known to be involved in cognitive tasks, including learning and memory, in smoking addiction and in several brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's dementias, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. This book provides a comprehensive review of the field, starting with a historical perspective and dealing with the molecular structure of these receptors, their biophysical and pharmacological properties, their distribution in central and peripheral nervous systems, and their major involvement in brain functions. Particular emphasis is paid to drugs (both new and old) that are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving neuronal nicotinic receptors. Finally, the relevance of these receptors in smoking addiction is carefully evaluated, together with future trends and the latest results.

Section I: Introduction to Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors

1 The History of the Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors
2 Distribution of Cholinergic Neurons in the Mammalian Brain with Special Reference to their Relationship with Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Section II: Genes, Structure, and Distribution of Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors
3 Gene Structure and Transcriptional Regulation of the Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
4 Transcriptional Regulation of Neuronal nAChR Subunit Genes
5 Contributions of Studies of the Nicotinic Receptor from Muscle to Defining Structural and Functional Properties of Ligand-Gated Ion Channels
6 The Structures of Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors
7 The Distribution of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
8 Presynaptic Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors: Pharmacology, Heterogeneity, and Cellular Mechanisms
9 Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Development and Aging
10 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Ganglionic Transmission
Section III: Functional Properties
11 Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors: From Biophysical Properties to Human Diseases
12 The Functional Diversity of Nicotinic Receptors in the Nervous System: Perspectives on Receptor Subtypes and Receptor Specialization
13 Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors and Synaptic Transmission in the Mammalian Central Nervous System
14 Properties of Heterologously and Lipid Bilayer Reconstituted Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
15 Comparison of Native and Recombinant Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors: Problems of Measurement and Expression
Section IV: Pharmacological Properties
16 Agonists and Antagonists of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
17 Toxin Antagonists of the Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
18 Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Non-neuronal Cells, Expression and Renaturation of Ligand Binding Domain, and Modulatory Control by Allosterically Acting Ligands
19 Insect Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors: Genes, Structure, Physiological and Pharmacological Properties
Section V: The Role of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Neuronal Functions
20 Knockout Mice as Animal Models for Studying Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function
21 Noninvasive Exploration of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors In Vivo
22 Genetic Regulation of Nicotine-Related Behaviors and Brain Nicotinic Receptors
23 The Role of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Cognitive function
24 Behavioural Pharmacology and Neurobiology of Nicotine Reward and Dependence
25 Involvement of Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors In Disease
26 Clinical Aspects of Nicotinic Agents: Therapeutic Applications in Central Nervous System Disorders
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