α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and memory processes: mechanistic and behavioral studies

This dissertation focusses on the functioning of our memory. Various memory processes and the ways to examine these are treated. Furthermore, the role α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs) play in various memory processes is discussed in detail. Receptors are proteins which in this case are located on the surfaces of brain cells. Specific molecules (such as drugs) may attach to these receptors. Subsequently, the receptors may cause the brain cells to react. Focussing on α7 nAChRs is therefore relevant with regard to the development of new drugs aimed at treating memory problems in Alzheimer’s disease and/or schizophrenia, for instance.
It was found that the blockade of α7 nAChRs with very low doses of so-called selective antagonists results in an improvement in memory performance and memory formation in rodents.