Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor modulates lymphocyte activation.
Life Sci
; 85(11-12): 444-9, 2009 Sep 09.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19632243
ABSTRACT
AIMS:
Even though the presence of alpha7 nicotinic receptor (nAChR) in lymphocytes has been demonstrated, its functional role still remains elusive. The aim of our study was to characterize alpha7 nAChRs in human lymphocytes upon phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. MAINMETHODS:
Lymphocytes were activated with the mitogen PHA. alpha7 nAChRs were studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real time PCR, flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effects of nicotinic drugs on PHA-induced proliferation was evaluated by the [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation assay. KEYFINDINGS:
We show that the expression of functional alpha7 receptors increases after PHA stimulation. The activation of peripheral lymphocytes by PHA increases 2.2-fold the alpha7 subunit mRNA expression and 4-fold the binding of the antagonist alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTX) with respect to non activated lymphocytes. By measuring the increase of intracellular calcium in response to nicotine we determine that alpha7 receptors in lymphocytes are functional. Nicotinic drugs differentially modulate T cell activation. While nicotine tends to inhibit proliferative responses, specific alpha7 antagonists, such as alpha-BTX and methyllycaconitine, enhance cell division.SIGNIFICANCE:
This study reveals that the alpha7 receptor modulates lymphocyte activation and contributes to clarifying the role of the non neuronal cholinergic system in the immune response.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ativação Linfocitária
/
Receptores Nicotínicos
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Life Sci
Ano de publicação:
2009
Tipo de documento:
Article