The alpha-3 beta-4 nicotinic receptor, also known as the ñ3ò4 receptor and the ganglion-type nicotinic receptor, is a type of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, consisting of ñ3 and ò4 subunits. It is located in the autonomic ganglia and adrenal medulla, where activation yields post- and/or presynaptic excitation, mainly by increased Na<sup>+</sup> and K<sup>+</sup> permeability.
As with other nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, the ñ3ò4 receptor is pentameric [(ñ3)<sub>m</sub>(ò4)<sub>n</sub> where m + n = 5]. The exact subunit stoichiometry is not known and it is possible that more than one functional ñ3ò4 receptor assembles in vivo with varying subunit stoichiometries.
Ligands which inhibit the ñ3ò4 receptor have been shown to modulate drug-seeking behavior, making ñ3ò4 a promising target for the development of novel antiaddictive agents.
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