The present study determined the effects of PNU120596, α7 nAChR positive allosteric modulator (PAM), on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anxiety, cognitive deficit, and depression-like behaviors in mice.
Although several studies indicated a role for cholinergic transmission and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in anxiety and stress disorder symptomatology, very little is known about the specific contribution of nAChRs to fear extinction OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we examined the effects of inhibition and desensitization of α4β2 nAChRs via a full antagonist (Dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DhβE)) and two α4β2 nAChR partial-agonists (varenicline and sazetidine-A) on contextual fear extinction, locomotor activity, and spontaneous recovery of contextual fear in mice.
Oral Al ingestion causes neuropathological changes and suppresses expression of nAChR genes that lead to deficits in learning and higher anxiety in Al-treated animals.