Gergalova G. Role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mitochondria functions

Object - liver mitochondria of mice. Aim - to establish the presence and function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in the mitochondria. Methods - preparative biochemistry, flow cytofluorimetry, sandwich ELISA, confocal and electron microscopy. With the use of toxins and the nAChR-specific antibodies showed that in the outer membrane of mitochondria a7 nAChR, which form a complex with the voltage -dependent anion channel (VDAC). It was shown that a7 nAChRs are involved in maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, affect on the accumulation of Ca in the mitochondria and the formation of mitochondrial permeability transition pore. It is concluded that the a7 nAChRs regulate apoptosis acting on VDAC. The data presented revealed for the first time the presence of functionally active nAChRs in the mitochondria and suggested the existence of a new mechanism of the mitochondria cholinergic function regulation. It may be a basis for development of new pharmacological methods regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis. Scope - organization of medical and biological profile.