Nicotinic selective agonists are best described as targeting which receptors?

Nicotinic selective agonists are best described as targeting which receptors?

• A. Adrenergic receptors
• B. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors
• C. Dopaminergic receptors
• D. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Answer: (D)

Nicotinic selective agonists target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, a type of receptor that is a ligand-gated ion channel. These receptors respond to acetylcholine and to nicotinic agonists by opening a channel that lets ions flow, leading to rapid depolarization. This is distinct from muscarinic receptors, which are G-protein–coupled and respond to acetylcholine in a slower, modulatory way. It’s also different from adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors, which respond to adrenaline/noradrenaline and dopamine, respectively. So the best description is that nicotinic selective agonists activate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Nicotinic selective agonists target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, a type of receptor that is a ligand-gated ion channel. These receptors respond to acetylcholine and to nicotinic agonists by opening a channel that lets ions flow, leading to rapid depolarization. This is distinct from muscarinic receptors, which are G-protein–coupled and respond to acetylcholine in a slower, modulatory way. It’s also different from adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors, which respond to adrenaline/noradrenaline and dopamine, respectively. So the best description is that nicotinic selective agonists activate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.