Atropine can induce autophagy independent of the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

Background: No other effects of atropine other than as an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) have been found. Methods: In this study, human kidneyepithelial cells were treated with different physiological regulators. Results: Subsequently, it was found that atropine could significantly induce autophagy as demonstrated by the appearance of autophagosome-like double- or single-membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm ofhost cells and the number of GFP-LC3 dots. In addition, increased conversion of the autophagy marker protein LC3-I and LC3-II and increased p62/SQSTM1 indicatedincomplete autophagy. In addition, atropine induced autophagosome levels in a dose-dependent manner within a certain concentration range in human kidney epithelial cells. In atropine-treated mouse skeletal muscle cells containing nicotinic acetylcholinereceptors and rat cardiac muscle cells containing mAchR, atropine induced autophagy in mouse skeletal muscle cells but not in rat cardiac muscle cells. Furthermore, atropine did not induce autophagy in tissue cells containing mAchR in vivo but did in tissue cells not containing mAchR. Conclusion: This study expands the application and understanding of atropine’s action mechanism in the field of medicine.

激活α7nAchR促进肥胖小鼠的脂肪稳态和米色脂肪生成及产热作用

目的观察肥胖小鼠脂肪组织形态学改变以及脂代谢、炎症等相关指标的异常表现,探索激活α7烟碱型乙酰胆碱受体(α7 nAchR)促进肥胖机体白色脂肪米色化产热的作用机制。方法取诱导成肥胖小鼠40只和10只低脂进食小鼠,分为空白组、高脂组、模型组、激动剂组、抑制剂组(10只/组)。苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察小鼠附睾白色脂肪组织,评估细胞数量、大小及形态。ELISA检测白色脂肪组织肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1(IL1β)、白细胞介素10(IL10)、转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)表达水平。qRT-PCR检测白色脂肪一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、精氨酸酶1(Arg1)mRNA。PCR检测解偶联蛋白(UCP-1)、PR结构域蛋白16(PRDM-16)、线粒体生成的关键调节因子(PGC-1α)mRNA水平。Western blot检测白色脂肪核转录因子P65(NF-κB P65)、磷酸化蛋白酪氨基酸激酶2(p-JAK2)、磷酸化传导及转录激活因子3(p-STAT3)表达水平。结果与空白组比较,高脂组体质量明显增加(P<0.01),白色脂肪组织中出现较多脂肪空泡,脂滴明显增大,iNOS mRNA及TNF-α、IL-1β水平升高(P<0.01),而Arg-1 mRNA及IL-10、TGF-β水平降低(P<0.01);而与模型组相比,药物干预的3组体质量均有所减轻(P<0.05),白色脂肪中脂滴缩小。激动剂组白色脂肪中PRDM-16、PGC-1α、UCP-1 mRNA下降最为明显。而激动剂组TNF-α、IL-1β水平降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),IL-10、TGF-β水平升高(P<0.01),M1/M2巨噬细胞比值降低。结论激活α7 nAchR后可以改善应用β3受体激动剂产生的白色脂肪组织稳态受损,促进白色脂肪中M1型巨噬细胞向M2型巨噬细胞转化减轻白色脂肪炎症反应,促进白色脂肪组织米色化,提高米色化产热效能。

Anisodine hydrobromide alleviates oxidative stress caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells predominantly via inhibition of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 4

Background:Anisodine hydrobromide(AT3),an anti-cholinergic agent,could be delivered to the brain across the blood-brain barrier and has been used clinically for the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Endothelial dysfunction can be caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)via oxidative stress and metabolic alterations.The present study investigated whether AT3 regulates the production of nitric oxide(NO)and reactive oxygen species(ROS),and the HIF-1αpathway via regulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors(mAChRs)in brain microvascular endothelial cells after H/R exposure.Methods:Under H/R conditions,hCMEC/D3 cerebral microvascular endothelial cells were treated with AT3.Specific inhibitors of M2-and M4-mAChRs were used to explore the mechanism by which AT3 influences oxidative stress in endothelial cells.Then,mAChRs expression was detected by western blotting and NO production was detected by Greiss reaction.The intracellular ROS level was measured using DCFH-DA probes.The expression of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α(HIF-1α)was also detected.Results:While H/R induced the expression of M2-and M4-mAChRs,AT3 suppressed the H/R-upregulated M2-and M4-mAChRs.H/R also induced the production of NO,ROS,and apoptosis.AT3 and M4-mAChR inhibitors inhibited the H/R-induced production of NO and ROS and apoptosis.HIF-1αwas induced by H/R,but was suppressed by AT3.Conclusion:Thus,the in vitro evidence shows that AT3 protects against H/R injury in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells via inhibition of HIF-1α,NO and ROS,predominantly through the downregulation of M4-mAChR.The findings offer novel understandings regarding AT3-mediated attenuation of endothelial cell apoptosis and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

α7nAChR抑制MyD88依赖性Zonulin释放改善脑梗死大鼠肠道炎症和肠屏障损伤

目的:观察α7型烟碱乙酰胆碱受体(α7nAChR)激动剂PNU282987对脑梗死大鼠肠道炎症和肠屏障损伤的影响。方法:将36只雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术(sham)组、中脑动脉栓塞(MCAO)组和PNU282987组。MCAO组和PNU282987组采用Longa改良线栓法制备MCAO模型,PNU282987组腹腔注射1 mg/kg PNU282987,连续7 d。苏木精—伊红(HE)染色观察肠道黏膜病理改变,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测结肠组织肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL-6)水平及血清二胺氧化酶(DAO)、D-乳酸(DLA)、内毒素(ET)水平,免疫组化法检测结肠组织Toll样受体2(TLR2)蛋白表达,western blotting法检测结肠组织紧密连接关键蛋白咬合蛋白(Occludin)、闭合蛋白(Claudin-1)、连蛋白(Zonulin)、带状闭合蛋白(ZO-1)、TLR2、髓样分化因子88(MyD88)、核因子-κB(NF-κB)和磷酸化NF-κB(p-NF-κB)蛋白表达。结果:与sham组比较,MCAO组大鼠肠上皮脱落、肠绒毛排列紊乱及黏膜下层炎性浸润,血清DAO、DLA、ET水平及结肠组织TNF-α、IL-6含量显著增高,结肠组织Occludin、Claudin-1、ZO-1蛋白表达显著下调,Zonulin、TLR2、MyD88、p-NF-κB蛋白表达显著上调(均P<0.05)。与MCAO组比较,PNU282987组大鼠肠上皮损伤减轻,血清DAO、DLA、ET水平及结肠组织TNF-α、IL-6含量显著降低,结肠组织Occludin、Claudin-1、ZO-1蛋白表达显著上调,Zonulin、TLR2、MyD88、p-NF-κB蛋白表达显著下调(均P<0.05)。结论:PNU282987可以显著改善脑梗死大鼠肠道炎症及肠屏障损伤,其机制可能与抑制TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB信号通路有关。

Clinical Measurement of Antibodies against Acetylcholine Receptor（AchR），SOD and LPO in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis（MG） be

The antibodies against acetylcholine receptor AchR and levels of SOD and LPO were measured in 11 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG),and the results were compared with normal controls and patients with diseases other than MG.The results showed that the antibodies against AchR were higher as compared with other groups before and after operation. The post-operative level of antibodies was obviously lower than the pre-operative value. An slight increase in SOD and significant decrease in mean value of LPO after surgery were noted. The possible mechanism was discussed.

AduoLa Fuzhenglin Down-regulates Microwave-induced Expression of β_1-adrenergic Receptor and Muscarinic Type 2 Acetylcholine Receptor in Myocardial Cells of Rats

This paper is aimed to study the effect of ADL on expression of ~z-AR and Mz-AchR in myocardial cells of rats exposed to microwave radiation. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and image analysis were used to detect the expression of ~I-AR and Mz-AchR in myocardial cells at 7 and 14 d after microwave exposure. The results show that the expression level was higher in microwave exposure group and 0.75 g/（kg.d） ADL group than in sham operation group and significantly lower in 1.5 and 3.0 g/（kg.d） ADL groups than in microwave group. So we have a conclusion that the expression of I^z-AR and Mz-AchR is down-regulated in myocardial cells of rats exposed to microwave radiation. ADL can protect rats against microwave-induced heart tissue injury.

Insensitive Acetylcholine Receptor Conferring Resistance of Plutella xylostella to Nereistoxin Insecticides

The combinative rate measurement of （3-[I125] iodotyrosyl） α-bungarotoxin was applied in the analysis of the relation between nerve acetylcholine receptor and three types of insecticide resistance in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella （L.）. In the dimehypo-resistant strain and in the cartap-resistant strain, the nerve acetylcholine receptor showed the remarkable insensitivity to dimehypo and cartap, of which the binding rate to ligand was approximately 66 and 60%, respectively, of the susceptible strain. The sensitivity to deltamethrin in the deltamethrin-resistant strain did not show visible change. These results indicated that the decline in the sensitivity of nerve acetylcholine receptor to insecticide might be a potential mechanism to nereistoxin insecticides resistance in the diamondback moth.

Effect of green flickering light on myopia development and expression of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in guinea pigs

AIM： To investigate the effects of green flickering light on refractive development and expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor（mAChR） M1 in the eyes of guinea pigs.METHODS： Thirty guinea pigs（15-20 days old） were randomly divided into three groups（n=10/group）. Animals in group I were raised in a completely closed carton with green flickering light illumination. Those in group II were kept in the open top closed carton under normal natural light. Guinea pigs were raised in a sight-widen cage under normal natural light in group III. The refractive status and axial length were measured before and after 8 weeks＇ illumination. Moreover, total RNA extracted from retinal, choroidal, and scleral tissues were determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）. The expressions of the receptor M1 were also explored in the retina, choroid, and sclera using immunohistochemistry.RESULTS： There was a remarkable reduction in refractive error and increase in axial length after 8-weeks＇ green flickering light stimulation（P〈0.001）. The expression of M1 receptor mRNA in sclera and retina in myopia group were remarkably lower than that in group II and III（P〈0.01）. Significant reduced expression of M1 receptor stimulated by green flickering light in retina and sclera tissues were also observed（P〈0.05）. However, there was no M1 receptor expression in choroid in 3 groups.CONCLUSION： Myopia can be induced by 8 weeks＇ green flickering light exposure in the animal model. M1 receptor may be involved causally or protectively in myopia development.

Possible implications of dysregulated nicotinic acetylcholine receptor diffusion and nanocluster formation in myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a rare and invalidating disease affecting the neuromuscular junction of voluntary muscles.The classical form of this autoimmune disease is characterized by the presence of antibodies against the most abundant protein in the neuromuscular junction,the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.Other variants of the disease involve autoimmune attack of non-receptor scaffolding proteins or enzymes essential for building or maintaining the integrity of this peripheral synapse.This review summarizes the participation of the above proteins in building the neuromuscular junction and the destruction of this cholinergic synapse by autoimmune aggression in myasthenia gravis.The review also covers the application of a powerful biophysical technique,superresolution optical microscopy,to image the nicotinic receptor in live cells and follow its motional dynamics.The hypothesis is entertained that anomalous nanocluster formation by antibody crosslinking may lead to accelerated endocytic internalization and elevated turnover of the receptor,as observed in myasthenia gravis.

Targeting α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: a future potential for neuroprotection from traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury （TBI） poses a significant socioeconomic burden in the world. The long lasting consequences in cognitive impairments are often underreported and its mechanisms are unclear. In this perspective, cholinergic dysfunction and thera-peutic strategy targeting this will be reviewed. Novel agents that can target specific subtype of acetylcholine receptors have been developed over the recent years and are at various stages of development, which include AR-R 17779, GTS-21, SSR- 180711A, AR-R17779, and PNU-282987. A detailed review on this topic has been previously published （Shin and Dixon, 2015）.

Acetylcholine receptor pathway in lung cancer: New twists to an old story

Genome-wide association studies revealed that allelic variation in the α5-α3-β4 nicotine acetylcholine receptor(n ACh R) cluster on chromosome 15q24-15q25.1 was associated with lung cancer risk. n ACh Rs are membrane ligand-gated cation channels whose activation is triggered by the binding of the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine(ACh) or other biologic compounds including nicotine. n ACh Rs have been found on lung cancer cells, underscoring the idea that the non-neuronal n ACh R pathway has important implications for lung cancer. Several studies focusing on the treatment with n ACh R antagonists with improved selectivity might trigger novel strategies for the intervention and prevention of lung cancer. Here we review the genetic risk factors for lung cancer in the n ACh R gene cluster, the roles of nicotine receptors, and the molecular mechanisms of acetylcholine receptor pathways to lead to more opportunities for intervention and prevention of lung cancer.

Activities of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors modulate neurotransmission and synaptic architecture

The cholinergic system is involved in a broad spectrum of brain function, and its failure has been implicated in Alzheimer＇s disease. Acetylcholine transduces signals through muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, both of which influence synaptic plasticity and cognition. However, the mechanisms that relate the rapid gating of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to persistent changes in brain function have remained elusive. Recent evidence indicates that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors activities affect synaptic morphology and density, which result in persistent rearrangements of neural connectivity. Further investigations of the relationships between nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and rearrangements of neural circuitry in the central nervous system may help understand the pathogenesis of Alzheimer＇s disease.

“Warming yang and invigorating qi” acupuncture alters acetylcholine receptor expression in the neuromuscular junction of rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies have been shown to form against the nicotinic acetylcholine nicotinic postsynaptic receptors located at the neuromuscular junction.＂Warming yang and invigorating qi＂ acupuncture treatment has been shown to reduce serum inflammatory cytokine expression and increase transforming growth factor beta expression in rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis.However,few studies have addressed the effects of this type of acupuncture on the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.Here,we used confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine the area and density of immunoreactivity for an antibody to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction in the phrenic nerve of rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis following ＂warming yang and invigorating qi＂ acupuncture therapy.Needles were inserted at acupressure points Shousanli（LI10）,Zusanli（ST36）,Pishu（BL20）,and Shenshu（BL23） once daily for 7 consecutive days.The treatment was repeated after 1 day of rest.We found that area and the integrated optical density of the immunoreactivity for the acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction of the phrenic nerve was significantly increased following acupuncture treatment.This outcome of the acupuncture therapy was similar to that of the cholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine bromide.These findings suggest that ＂warming yang and invigorating qi＂ acupuncture treatment increases acetylcholine receptor expression at the neuromuscular junction in a rat model of autoimmune myasthenia gravis.

M3 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Antagonist Darifenacin Protects against Pulmonary Fibrosis through ERK/NF-κB/miR-21 Pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an untreatable lethal lung disease, which is related to the aberrant proliferation of fibroblasts. M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3-mAChR) activation exerts proliferative effect on various kinds of cells. However, whether M3-mAChR inhibition has a protective effect on pulmonary fibrosis remains unexplored. A rat model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Darifenacin was used to block M3-mAChR. Histological changes were observed using Masson’s Trichrome and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Hydroxyproline was measured by Hydroxyproline detection kit. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro, pulmonary fibroblasts were isolated from lungs of neonatal rat. After treatment, the cell viability, Hydroxyproline level was measured by MTT and Hydroxyproline detection kit respectively. The expression level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor kappa-B (N-NF-κB), and microRNA-21 (miR-21) was detected by western blot or quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Darifenacin relieved the fibrotic effects provoked by bleomycin. The expression level of hydroxyproline, TGF-β1 and TNF-α level was all downregulated after darifenacin treatment. In lung fibroblasts, darifenacin decreased cell viability and hydroxyproline level induced by bleomycin. Besides, phosphorylation-ERK and nuclear N-NF-κB protein level was downregulated, as well as miR-21 level. M3-mAChR antagonist darifenacin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, which may relate to the ERK/NF-κB/miRNA-21 signaling pathway.

Adult celiac disease with acetylcholine receptor antibody positive myasthenia gravis

Celiac disease has been associated with some autoimmune disorders. A 40-year-old competitive strongman with celiac disease responded to a gluten-free diet, but developed profound and generalized motor weakness with acetylcholine receptor antibody positive myasthenia gravis, a disorder reported to occur in about 1 in 5000. This possible relationship between myasthenia gravis and celiac disease was further explored in serological studies. Frozen stored serum samples from 23 acetylcholine receptor antibody positive myasthenia gravis patients with no intestinal symptoms were used to screen for celiac disease. Both endomysial and tissue transglutaminase antibodies were examined. One of 23 (or, about 4.3%) was positive for both IgA-endomysial and IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies. Endoscopic studies subsequently showed duodenal mucosal scalloping and biopsies confirmed the histopathological changes of celiac disease. Celiac disease and myasthenia gravis may occur together more often than is currently appreciated. The presence of motor weakness in celiac disease may be a clue to occult myasthenia gravis, even in the absence of intestinal symptoms.

Differentiation of the Agonists and Antagonists of the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor

Theα7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors(nAChRs)are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and are important drug targets for the treatment of neurological diseases.However,differentiation of the agonists and antagonists of the nAChR is difficult.In this study we aimed to develop a reliable and efficient computational approach for differentiation of the agonists from the antagonists of the nAChR based on a systematical analysis of 123 ligands(87 agonists,12 partial agonists,and 24 antagonists)binding with the extracellular domain of theα7 n AChR chimera.Our results suggest that the ligand size and ligand binding affinity cannot differentiate the agonists from the antagonists of the nAChR.The ligand efficiency that considers both ligand binding affinity and size for the agonists is overall more left shifted in comparison to the antagonists,but the values of the ligand efficiency still cannot differentiate the agonists from the antagonists unless the values are either relatively high(more than-0.3 kcal mol^-1)or relatively low(less than-0.45 kcal mol^-1).Our results suggest that accurate prediction of the agonist or antagonist of the nAChR is challenging and the ligand innate configuration has to be considered as an extra for differentiation of the agonists from the antagonists of the nAChR.

Effect of differential rearing environments on nicotine-stimulated locomotor activity and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes

OBJECTIVE Individuals vary in sensitivity to the behavioral effects of nicotine,resulting in differences in their vulnerability to addiction.The role of rearing environment in determining individual sensitivity to nicotine is unclear.The neuropharmacological mechanisms mediating the effect of rearing environment on the actions of nicotine are also understood.Thus,the contribution of rearing environment in determining the sensitivity to the locomotor effects of nicotine and regulating α4β2*-and α7-nicotinic acetylcholine(n ACh) receptor expressionwas determined in rats reared in isolated(IC) or enriched(EC) conditions.METHODS To measure locomotor activity,adolescent rats(postnatal day 21-51)were injected with saline(1 mL·kg^(-1)) or nicotine(0.3 mg·kg^(-1)) subcutaneously,then placed in chamberswhere ambulatory activity was monitored for 30-min by computer for 14 daily sessions.α4β2*-andα7-n ACh receptor expression in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway was determined by quantitative autoradiography of [125 I]-epibatidine and [125 I]-bungarotoxinbinding,respectively,in 16 μmol·L^(-1) coronal sections.Values for receptor expression in fmol are ±s of 8 brains and compared by two-tailed,unpaired t-test with P<0.05 considered significant.RESULTS EC-rats are similarly sensitive as IC-rats to the locomotor effects of nicotine.[125 I]-epibatidine binding in the ventral tegmental area of EC-rats was reduced(2.8±0.3 fmo L) compared to IC-rats(4.0±0.4 fmo L);there was no difference in the nucleus accumbens.There was no difference between EC-and IC-rats in α7-n ACh receptor expression in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.CONCLUSION Rearing environment differentially regulates n ACh receptor subtypes in EC and IC rats.These data suggest regulation of n ACh receptors by environmental factors may be a mechanism for the protective effect of enrichment against altered sensitivity to nicotine in genetically vulnerable individuals.The characterization of these mechanisms will aid in development of novel pharmacological tools mimicking the protection afforded by environmental enrichment in nicotine-sensitive individuals.

Effect of soman,sarin and VX on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

The highly specific ligand of the N-acetylcholine receptor（N-AChR）,alpha-bungarotoxin,was used to determine the effect of soman,sarin and VX onN-AChR of the diaphragm and extensor digitorum Iongus muscle of mice andrats.The effects of the three anti-cholinesterase agents on N-AChR weredifferent.Sarin did not act directly on N-AChR and cause a change in the numberof N-AChR.VX decreased the binding sites of the receptor by binding with N-AChRdirectly.The LD50was 0.054mg/kg in mousse.Soman increased the binding sites,e.g.1～1.5 LD50soman increased the number of N-AChR of mouse diaphragm by 25%.The peak increaseof N-AChR was reached 0.5 h after poisoning and could last 96h.The receptornumber was still 22% higher than that of the control on the fourth day aftersoman poisoning in rats.Soman mainly increased the number of extrasynapticN-AChR,leading to the enhancement of sensitivity of cholinergic effectors toacetylcholine（ACh）,which is similar to the hypersensitiveness resulting fromdenervation.These findings are of significance in probing the receptor mecha-nisms and treatment of soman poisoning.

Identification of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on hippocampal astrocytes cultured in vitro and its role on inflammatory mediator secretion

The present study found expressions of a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on hippocampal slices and hippocampal astrocytes using double immunofluorescence stainings. Expression of glial fibdllary acidic protein in the cultured hippocampal slices and hippocampal astrocytes significantly increased, and levels of macrophage inflammatory protein la, RANTES, interleukin-1β, intedeukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α increased in the supernatant of cultured astrocytes following exposure to 200 nM amyloid 13 protein 1-42. Preconditioning of 10 μM nicotine, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, could attenuate the influence of amyloid β protein 1-42 in inflammatory mediator secretion of cultured astrocytes. Experimental findings indicated that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was expressed on the surface of hippocampal astrocytes, and activated a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was shown to inhibit inflammation induced by amyloid β protein 1-42.

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Gene Family of the Pea Aphid,Acyrthosiphon pisum

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors （nAchRs） are cholinergic receptors that form ligand-gated ion channels by ifve subunits in insect and vertebrate nervous systems. The insect nAChR is the molecular target of a class of insecticides, neonicotinoids. Here, we identiifed and cloned 11 candidate nAChR subunit genes in Acyrthosiphon pisum using genome-based bioinformatics combined modern molecular techniques. Most A. pisum nAChRs including α1, α2, α3, α4, α6, α8, and β1 show highly sequence identities with the counterparts of other insects examined. Expression proifles analysis showed that all subunit genes were expressed in adult head. At least two subunits have alternative splicing that obviously increase A. pisum nicotinic receptor diversity. This study will be invaluable for exploring the molecular mechanisms of neonicotinoid-like insecticides in sucking pests, and for ultimately establishing the screening platform of novel insecticides.