The influence of inhibiting or stimulating the expression of the α3 subunit of the nicotinic receptor in SH-SY5Y cells on levels of amyloid-β peptide and β-secretase

► The reduced and enhanced α3 nAChR levels in SHSY5Y cells were induced by RNAi and nicotine, respectively. ► Reducing α3 nAChR elevated BACE1, decreased BACE2 and increased β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). ► Enhancing α3 nAChR declined BACE1, elevated BACE2 and attenuated the Aβ.