M. V. Skok, L. M. Koval, O. Yu. Lykhmus, O. M. Kalashnyk,
G. L. Gergalova, S. V. Komisarenko

Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
e-mail: skok@biochem.kiev.ua

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels initially discovered in muscles and neurons and further found in many non-excitable cells. The present review summarizes the results of studies performed in the Department of Molecular Immunology during the last decade and concerning the structure and functions of nAChRs in B lymphocytes and in mitochondria, as well as the role of nAChR-specific antibodies in the develop­ment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer disease.