Functional expression and properties of a nicotinic alph9/5-HT3A chimeric receptor

MIGUEL VERBITSKY; PAOLA V. PLAZAS; A. BELÉN ELGOYHEN

NEUROREPORT

Año: 2003 vol. 14 p. 1931 - 1934

0959-4965

In the present study we describe the functional properties of a nicotinic a9/ serotonin subtype A (5HT3A) chimeric receptor expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The chimera preserved ligand-binding properties of a9 and channel properties of 5HT3A. Thus, it responded to acetylcholine (ACh) in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 70 mM but not to serotonin. Moreover, it was blocked by methyllycaconitine (MLA), strychnine, atropine and nicotine, with the same rank order of potency as a9 receptors. On the other hand, the current-voltage relationship of currents through the a9/5HT3A chimera was similar to that of the 5HT3A receptors. These results are an evidence of  functional coupling between the ligand-binding and the channel domains of the chimeric receptor.