Neuronal acetylcholine receptor alpha-3 beta-4 (α3β4 nAChR)

The neuronal acetylcholine receptor alpha-3 beta-4 is a heteropentameric, ligand-gated ion channel found primarily in autonomic ganglia and certain brain regions[4][5]. Composed of alpha-3 (CHRNA3) and beta-4 (CHRNB4) subunits, it enables rapid neurotransmission by opening a cation-permeable channel upon binding acetylcholine or other agonists[1][2][5]. Activation of this receptor leads to sodium and potassium influx, membrane depolarization, and initiation of neuronal excitation, playing a key role in autonomic nervous system communication and some aspects of addiction neurobiology[4][5]. It is studied as a drug target for modulating addiction and autonomic dysfunction; multiple endogenous and exogenous agonists and antagonists are known to interact with the α3β4 nAChR[4][5].

Other names

Alpha-3 beta-4 nicotinic receptorGanglion-type nicotinic receptornAChR α3β4CHRNA3/CHRNB4 receptorα3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Agonist (direct channel opening, e.g., acetylcholine, nicotine); Partial agonist (partial channel opening, e.g., cytisine); Competitive antagonist (blockade of the acetylcholine binding site, e.g., DHβE, SR 16584); Noncompetitive antagonist (allosteric inhibition, e.g., bupropion, mecamylamine, dextromethorphan)