Abstract
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AcChR) is the key protein in the rapid signal transmission between cholinergic nerves and the innervated target cells of vertebrate muscles and of the electric organs of many electric fishes [1,2]. The trans-synaptic signal transfer (see Fig. 1), finally resulting in muscle contraction or in electric organ discharge, is initiated by the neuronally triggered release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (AcCh). According to the historical concept by Nachmanson [1] this cationic activator molecule binds to the AcCh receptor and causes a conformational change. Thereby a pathway (channel) for the flow of Na+ and K+ ions is opened that causes depolarisation of the postsynaptic membrane. Rapid depolarisation, in turn, triggers the action potentials that are necessary for the muscle cell contraction or the discharge of the electric organ electrocytes.
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Neumann, E. (1990). Molecular Aspects of the Neurotransmission by the Acetylcholine Receptor System. In: Milazzo, G., Blank, M. (eds) Bioelectrochemistry III. Ettore Majorana International Science Series, vol 51. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9459-5_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9459-5_6
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