Serum Levels of Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Their Association With Cardiovascular Autonomic Function Tests in Healthy Young Adults

INTRODUCTION: The autonomic nervous system controls various physiological functions through sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways, mediated by adrenergic and cholinergic receptors. Among these, the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7 nAChR) plays a key modulatory role in neuronal and nonneuronal systems. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum alpha7 nAChR levels and cardiovascular autonomic function in healthy young adults with a normal body mass index, focusing on gender differences. METHODS: Thirty-three participants (both male and female participants) underwent cardiovascular autonomic assessments, including resting heart rate variability (HRV), the expiration-to-inspiration (E:I) ratio from deep breathing, and diastolic blood pressure response during isometric handgrip. Serum alpha7 nAChR levels were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. RESULTS: Although male participants showed higher mean alpha7 nAChR levels than female participants, this difference was not statistically significant. No significant correlation was observed between alpha7 nAChR levels and resting HRV parameters. However, alpha7 nAChR levels showed a significant positive correlation with the E:I ratio during deep breathing in male participants. CONCLUSIONS: Although overall alpha7 nAChR levels showed no significant difference between male and female participants, their association with parasympathetic reactivity in male participants suggests a possible sex difference in autonomic regulation that merits further exploration.