Structural model of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor isotypes bound to acetylcholine and nicotine

摘要

BackgroundNicotine is a psychoactive drug presenting a diverse array of biological activities, some positive, such as enhancement of cognitive performances, others negative, such as addiction liability. Ligands that discriminate between the different isotypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) could present improved pharmacology and toxicity profile.