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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Is modulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by melatonin relevant for therapy with cholinergic drugs?

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Author(s):
Markus, Regina P. [1] ; Silva, Claudia L. M. [2] ; Franco, Daiane Gil [1] ; Barbosa, Jr., Eduardo Mortani [3] ; Ferreira, Zulma S. [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Chronopharmacol, Dept Physiol, Inst Biosci, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, Inst Biomed Sci, Cellular & Mol Pharmacol Res Program, Ccs, RJ - Brazil
[3] Univ Penn, Dept Radiol, Philadelphia, PA 19104 - USA
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Review article
Source: PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS; v. 126, n. 3, p. 251-262, JUN 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 37
Abstract

Melatonin, the darkness hormone, synchronizes several physiological functions to light/dark cycle. Besides the awake/sleep cycle that is intuitively linked to day/night, daily variations in memory acquisition and innate or acquired immune responses are some of the major activities linked to melatonin rhythm. The daily variation of these complex processes is due to changes in specific mechanisms. In the last years we focused on the influence of melatonin on the expression and function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Melatonin, either ``in vivo{''} or ``in vitro{''}, increases, in a selective manner, the efficiency of alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BTX)-sensitive nAChRs. Melatonin's effect on receptors located in rat sympathetic nerve terminals. cerebellum, skeletal muscle and chick retina, was tested. We observed that melatonin is essential for the development of alpha-BTX-sensitive nAChRs, and important for receptor maintenance in aging models. Taking into account that both melatonin and alpha-7 nAChRs (one of the subtypes sensitive to alpha-BTX) are involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease, here we discuss the possibility of a therapeutic strategy focused on both melatonin replacement and its potential association with cholinergic drugs. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 02/02957-6 - Physiopatology of the pineal gland and melatonin
Grantee:Regina Pekelmann Markus
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 07/07871-6 - Imune-pineal Axis: injury shifts melatonin production from endocrine to paracrine
Grantee:Regina Pekelmann Markus
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants