Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have gained much attention in the scientific community since they play a significant role in multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. Multiple approaches to study the receptors exist, with characterization of the receptors' functionality at a single cellular level using cell culturing being one of them. Derived from an adrenal medulla tumor, PC12 cells express nicotinic receptor subunits and form functional nicotinic receptors. Thus, the cells offer a convenient environment to address questions related to the functionality of the receptors. The review summarizes the findings on nicotinic receptors' expression and functions which were conducted using PC12 cells. Specific focus is given to α3-containing receptors as well as α7 receptor. Critical evaluation of findings is provided alongside insights into what can still be learned about nAChRs, using PC12 cells.

中文翻译：

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PC12 细胞的烟碱乙酰胆碱受体。

烟碱乙酰胆碱受体 (nAChRs) 在科学界备受关注，因为它们在多种生理和病理生理过程中发挥着重要作用。存在多种研究受体的方法，其中之一是使用细胞培养在单个细胞水平上表征受体的功能。PC12 细胞源自肾上腺髓质肿瘤，表达烟碱受体亚基并形成功能性烟碱受体。因此，细胞提供了一个方便的环境来解决与受体功能相关的问题。该综述总结了使用 PC12 细胞进行的烟碱受体表达和功能的发现。特别关注含 α3 受体和 α7 受体。