DNA encoding human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha and beta subunits, mammalian and amphibian cells containing said DNA, methods for producing alpha and beta subunits and recombinant (i.e., isolated or substantially pure) alpha subunits (specifically .alpha..sub.6) and beta subunits (specifically .beta..sub.3) are provided. In addition, combinations of a plurality of subunits (i.e., one or more of .alpha..sub.1, .alpha..sub.2, .alpha..sub.3, .alpha..sub.4, .alpha..sub.5, .alpha..sub.6 and/or .alpha..sub.7 subunits in combination with one or more of .beta..sub.3 subunits are provided.