Zoheir, N., Lappin, D.F. and Nile, C.J. (2012) Acetylcholine and the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor: a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of periodontal disease? Inflammation Research, 61(9), pp. 915-926. (doi: 10.1007/s00011-012-0513-z)
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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00011-012-0513-z
Abstract
<p>Objectives: The aim of this review is to examine the evidence for a functional cholinergic system operating within the periodontium and determine the evidence for its role in periodontal immunity.</p> <p>Introduction: Acetylcholine can influence the immune system via the ‘cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway’. This pathway is mediated by the vagus nerve which releases acetylcholine to interact with the α7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) on proximate immuno-regulatory cells. Activation of the α7nAChR on these cells leads to down-regulated expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and thus regulates localised inflammatory responses. The role of the vagus nerve in periodontal pathophysiology is currently unknown. However, non-neuronal cells can also release acetylcholine and express the α7nAChR; these include keratinocytes, fibroblasts, T cells, B cells and macrophages. Therefore, by both autocrine and paracrine methods non-neuronal acetylcholine can also be hypothesised to modulate the localised immune response.</p> <p>Methods: A Pubmed database search was performed for studies providing evidence for a functional cholinergic system operating in the periodontium. In addition, literature on the role of the ‘cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway’ in modulating the immune response was extrapolated to hypothesise that similar mechanisms of immune regulation occur within the periodontium.</p> <p>Conclusion: The evidence suggests a functional non-neuronal ‘cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway’ may operate in the periodontium and that this may be targeted therapeutically to treat periodontal disease.</p>
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Lappin, Dr David and Zoheir, Mrs Noha and Nile, Dr Christopher |
| Authors: | Zoheir, N., Lappin, D.F., and Nile, C.J. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School |
| Journal Name: | Inflammation Research |
| ISSN: | 1023-3830 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1420-908X |
| Published Online: | 10 July 2012 |
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