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Nicotinic Receptor Modulation

Meaning

Nicotinic Receptor Modulation refers to the pharmacological or endogenous physiological process of altering the function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are ligand-gated ion channels found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Modulation can involve changing the receptor’s sensitivity to acetylcholine, its conductance, or its rate of desensitization. This process is clinically significant because nAChRs are critical for rapid synaptic transmission, muscle contraction, and the release of other neurotransmitters.