Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the ascending dopamine pathways

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in midbrain dopamine neurons that project to dorsal striatum, nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. Thus nAChRs can influence the functions of these three pathways, notably motor control, ‘reward’ and executive function, respectively. Diverse subtypes of nAChRs have been identified on dopamine cell bodies and terminals as well as on neighbouring afferents and interneurons. Here we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which nAChRs exert their influence on these pathways in rodents.

Graphical abstractNicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) affect dopamine cell firing and release probability in three major ascending pathways; nigrostriatal, mesolimbic and mesocortical. nAChRs are therefore poised to modulate multiple brain functions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide