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. 2010 May 13:5:315-21.
doi: 10.2147/ijn.s10466.

Gold nanoparticle-choline complexes can block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Chur Chin  1 , In Kyeom Kim, Dong Yoon Lim, Ki Suk Kim, Hyang Ae Lee, Eun Joo Kim
Affiliations

Gold nanoparticle-choline complexes can block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Chur Chin et al. Int J Nanomedicine. .

Abstract

We identified a novel class of direct ion-channel blockers of ligand-gated ion channels called the gold nanoparticle-choline complex. Negatively charged gold nanoparticles (1.4 nm) block ion pores by binding to the sulfur group of the cysteine loop of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and currents evoked by acetylcholine (Ach) can break these bonds. The current evoked by ACh in nAChRs was blocked directly in ion pores by the gold nanoparticle- choline complex. In adrenal-gland perfusion studies, the complex also blocked nAChRs by diminishing catecholamine release by about 75%. An in vivo study showed muscle relaxation in rats after injection of the complex. These results will foster the application of gold nanoparticles as a direct ion-channel blocker.

Keywords: choline; direct ion-channel blocker; gold–sulfur bond; negatively charged gold nanoparticle; nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Gold nanoparticles in the extracellular vestible of receptors.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Peak amplitude inhibited to near the baseline in PC12 cloned cell line.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Reversal achieved in catecholamine secretion. Abberviation: DMMPP, dimethyl methyl phosphonate.
Figure 4
Figure 4
After injection with choline and nanoparticle solution.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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