Subunit-dependent action of lead on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

1. Pb2+ affects neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells in a dual manner. At nanomolar concentrations a blockade is observed, while at submillimolar concentrations this blocking effect is reversed. 2. The Xenopus oocyte expression system was used to examine whether the dual effect of Pb2+ is related to a differential action on nAChR subtypes. Effects of Pb2+ were investigated in oocytes expressing nAChR after co-injection of alpha 3 and beta 2 or alpha 3 and beta 4 cDNA. 3. At 1-250 mumol/L, Pb2+ causes a 10-1000% increase of the response mediated by the alpha 3 beta 2 nAChR. 4. Pb2+ blocks ACh-induced inward currents mediated by alpha 3 beta 4 nAChR. The inhibitory potency of Pb2+ greatly varies between cells. In 50% of the cells concentrations < or = 1 mumol/L Pb2+ blocked the nicotinic response by 31-93%. In the other cells even at higher concentrations Pb2+ caused only 0-65% inhibition. 5. These results show that Pb2+ may both potentiate and block nAChR, depending on the type of nAChR subunit expressed.