The α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) plays a fundamental role in inner ear physiology. It mediates synaptic transmission between efferent olivocochlear fibers that descend from the brainstem and hair cells of the auditory sensory epithelium. The α9 and α10 subunits have undergone a distinct evolutionary history within the family of nAChRs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe lateral line (LL) is a sensory system that allows fish and amphibians to detect water currents. LL responsiveness is modulated by efferent neurons that aid in distinguishing between external and self-generated stimuli, maintaining sensitivity to relevant cues. One component of the efferent system is cholinergic, the activation of which inhibits afferent activity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe expansion and pruning of ion channel families has played a crucial role in the evolution of nervous systems. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels with distinct roles in synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction, the central and peripheral nervous system, and the inner ear. Remarkably, the complement of nAChR subunits has been highly conserved along vertebrate phylogeny.
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