| Literature DB >> 12020960 |
Y Villiger1, I Szanto, S Jaconi, C Blanchet, B Buisson, K-H Krause, D Bertrand, J-A Romand.
Abstract
We examined the potential expression and function of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in leukocytes. RT-PCR with alpha7 specific primers revealed the presence of the receptor mRNA in leukocytes. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated the expression of a protein that is recognized by alpha7 specific antibodies. However, nicotine and acetylcholine (ACh) failed to elicit current in leukocytes. Binding experiments with alpha-bungarotoxin rhodamine conjugated were negative, illustrating the absence of a high-affinity binding site. RT-PCR analysis revealed the selective expression of the dupalpha7 mRNA. These data indicate that leukocytes express in their membrane the dupalpha7 protein but its physiological role remains to be identified.Entities:
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Year: 2002 PMID： 12020960 DOI： 10.1016/s0165-5728(02)00057-7
Source DB: PubMed Journal: J Neuroimmunol ISSN： 0165-5728 Impact factor: 3.478