Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-10 (CHRNA10)

Ionotropic receptor with a probable role in the modulation of auditory stimulation. Agonist binding can cause an extensive change in conformation that affects all subunits and leads to opening of an ion-conducting channel across the plasma membrane.

The channel is permeable to a range of divalent cations such as calcium, the influx of which might activate a potassium current which hyperpolarizes the cell membrane. In the ear, this can lead to a decrease in basilar membrane motion, altering the activity of auditory nerve fibers and reducing the range of dynamic hearing.