Turnover of Acetylcholine Receptors: Mechanisms of Regulation

Abstract

The synthesis, insertion and degradation of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) of skeletal muscle cells are closely regulated both by the muscle cells and by the motor nerves that supply them. The goal of this project is to elucidate the mechanisms of regulation of the AChRs, both at the neuromuscular junction and at extrajunctional regions. We have used I-alpha-bungarotoxin (I-alpha-BuTx) as a label to follow the metabolic turnover of AChRs both in vivo and in tissue culture. We have used complementary DNAs (cDNAs) that specifically bind to the messenger RNA (mRNA) for subunits of the AChR to measure the appropriate mRNAs (gene regulation), as well. Keywords: Acetylcholine receptors; Neuromuscular junction; Motor nerves; Neurotransmitters; Mathematical models; Trophic control; Reaction kinetics; Receptor turnover; Receptor sites; Messenger RNA; Receptor stabilization; Synaptic transmission.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA221409

Entities

People

  • Alan Pestronk
  • Daniel B. Drachman
  • Naomi Lipsky
  • Orlando Avila

Organizations

  • Johns Hopkins University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Anesthesia
  • Biology
  • Cells
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Measurement
  • Mrna
  • Muscle Cells
  • Muscle Fibers
  • Muscles
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Skeletal Muscle
  • Synapses
  • Tissue Culture
  • Tissues

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Genetics
  • Neuroscience