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A growing body of evidence indicates that neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), in addition to promoting fast cholinergic transmission, may modulate other neuronal activities within the central nervous system (CNS). In particular, the α7 nAChR is highly permeable to Ca²⁺ and may serve a distinct role in regulating neuronal plasticity. By elevating intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in discrete neuronal locations, these ligand-gated ion channels may influence numerous physiological processes in developing and adult CNS. In this article, we review evidence that both pre- and postsynaptic α7 nAChRs modulate transmitter release in the brain and periphery through Ca²⁺-dependent mechanisms. The possible role of α7 nAChRs in regulating neuronal growth and differentiation in developing CNS is also evaluated. We consider an interaction between cholinergic and glutamatergic transmission and …