Toxin Antagonists of the Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor

Toxins have historically played a central role in defining both the structure and function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Toxin sensitivity serves as a valuable way to distinguish among nAChR subtypes, particularly when the subunit composition of the native nAChR is uncertain. Thus, terms such as “a-bungarotoxin-sensitive” are commonly used to define a subpopulation of nAChRs.