Presynaptic Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors And The Modulation Of Circuit Excitability

Cholinergic modulation of circuit excitability by activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) is involved in essential aspects of motivated behaviors, attention, and affect. In this review we focus entirely on the contribution of presynaptic nAChRs to the regulation and dysregulation of synapses and circuits in the CNS. In particular we highlight recent insights into the regulation of presynaptic nAChR targeting and advances into discerning the mechanisms by which presynaptic nAChRs regulate neurotransmitter release and synaptic transmission in the brain.