Functional α7 nicotinic receptors in human airway smooth muscle increase intracellular calcium concentration and contractility in asthmatics

Although nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are commonly associated with neurons in the brain and periphery, recent data indicate that they are also expressed in non-neuronal tissues. We recently found the alpha7 (alpha 7nAChR) subunit is highly expressed in human airway smooth muscle (hASM) with substantial increase in asthmatics, but their functionality remains unknown. We investigated the location and functional role of alpha 7nAChRs in hASM cells from normal versus mild-moderate asthmatic patients. Immunostaining and protein analyses showed alpha 7nAChR in the plasma membrane including in asthmatics. In asthmatic hASM, patch-clamp recordings revealed significantly higher functional homomeric alpha 7nAChR channels. Real-time fluorescence imaging showed nicotine, via alpha 7nAChR, increases intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+](i)) independent of ACh effects, particularly in asthmatic hASM, while cellular traction force microscopy showed nicotine-induced contractility including in asthmatics. These results indicate functional homomeric and heteromeric nAChRs that are increased in asthmatic hASM, with pharmacology that likely differ owing to different subunit interfaces that form the orthosteric sites. nAChRs may represent a novel target in alleviating airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cigarette smoking and vaping exacerbate asthma. Understanding the mechanisms of nicotine effects in asthmatic airways is important. This study demonstrates that functional alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (Ca(2+)7nAChRs) are expressed in human airway smooth muscle, including from asthmatics, and enhance intracellular calcium and contractility. Although a7nAChRs are associated with neuronal pathways, Ca(2+)7nAChR in smooth muscle suggests inhaled nicotine (e.g., vaping) can directly influence airway contractility. Targeting Ca(2+)7nAChR may represent a novel approach to alleviating airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma.