The characterization of alpha-bungarotoxin receptors on the surface of parasympathetic neurons in the frog heart.

Abstract

Receptors for alpha-bungarotoxin are found on the surface of parasympathetic neurons in the frog cardiac ganglion by light microscopic autoradiography. Competition studies suggest that these receptors are cholinergic and indicate that they are also recognized by neuronal bungarotoxin (kappa-bungarotoxin). These receptors are outnumbered by those recognized exclusively by neuronal bungarotoxin. Unlike neuronal bungarotoxin receptors, alpha-bungarotoxin receptors are not concentrated at synaptic sites. Fluorescence techniques fail to find evidence for clusters of alpha-bungarotoxin receptors anywhere on the neuronal surface. The possible function of these receptors, which apparently do not play a role in fast synaptic transmission, is discussed.

• Authors: P B Sargent, E N Garrett
• Journal: Brain research (Brain Res) Vol. 680 Issue 1-2 Pg. 99-107 (May 22 1995) ISSN: 0006-8993 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 7663990 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Bungarotoxins
• Receptors, Nicotinic
• alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor

Topics

• Animals
• Bungarotoxins (metabolism)
• Cell Membrane (metabolism)
• Heart Conduction System (cytology, metabolism)
• Neurons (metabolism)
• Parasympathetic Nervous System (cytology, metabolism)
• Rana pipiens
• Receptors, Nicotinic (metabolism)
• alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor